A delegation from Washington State’s Department of Commerce today visited the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) this week as part of a trade mission to Ireland and England to develop business linkages. T

he visit presents an exciting opportunity for Irish clean-tech companies to make meaningful collaborations with international markets, including the US and Far East which can be easily accessed via Washington.

The delegation, being headed by Washington State Governor, Ms Chris Gregoire, includes leaders from industry, academia, state utilities and public enterprise organisations who are visiting with the intention of growing foreign exports and encouraging direct investment particularly in key growth areas, such as sustainable technology and ocean energy. The delegation is also keen to learn from Ireland’s experience in relation to renewable energy and carbon reduction policies.

-- Advertisement --

Commenting on the visit, SEAI Chief Executive, Dr Brian Motherway, commented: "Ireland has developed significant expertise in sustainable energy which now presents global commercial opportunities. As foreign markets increasingly recognise our knowledge and experience, and look to link with us, Irish businesses can expand to wider international markets and create real enterprise benefits."

Governor Christine Gregoire, Washington State, said: "We are excited to explore areas of mutual opportunity between Ireland and Washington. As a small nation, Ireland has progressed well in developing sustainable energy policy and creating enterprise opportunities, particularly in emerging new technology areas. An Irish company has already secured a major contract to develop a tidal energy pilot project for a public utility provider in Washington State. Partnerships like these are critical to us meeting our growing energy needs in a clean and sustainable manner."

As part of the visit to SEAI, the delegation will meet with leading Irish ocean energy experts who will brief them on the latest Irish developments in wave and tidal energy. Ireland is one of the global leaders in the development of ocean energy technology and, through SEAI, will host a major international conference on ocean energy, ICOE2012, in October this year.

(CD)