The signature of this joint statement illustrates the Chilean government’s commitment to co-finance the development of marine energy research and technology in Chile, in particular through the support of the MERIC centre. Co-funded between the Chilean Ministry of energy, DCNS and Enel Green Power, MERIC is Chile’s first International Marine Energy R&D Centre of Excellence committed to develop MRE knowledge and innovation in Chile.
DCNS and Enel Green Power were selected by CORFO in October 2014 to develop MERIC. The center will work in close cooperation with Chilean universities and companies and will conduct studies to identify the first sites where Marine Renewable Energy technologies could be installed off the Chilean coastline.
The yesterday signing with the Chilean government is a recognition of DCNS expertise in marine energies. Over the past few years, the Group has emerged as a major player in MRE systems with a significant track record as well as technical know-how, in particular in Tidal, Offshore wind and Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion.
Regarding the importance of this agreement, Corfo executive vice-president, Eduardo Bitran said that "Chile has excellent natural conditions for the development of energy from the seas that we must seize. Today we have a great opportunity not only to investigate about marine energy, but to develop related industries and services with this technology. The agreement that we signed today involves the government’s commitment to co-finance the development of applied research and technology in our country. "
Hervé Guillou, DCNS CEO, declared: "DCNS is proud to contribute to the development of marine renewable energies in Chile. The creation of MERIC will allow to strengthen both the knowledge of Chilean actors in marine energy and DCNS know-how in site development and technology adaptation. Our ambition is to develop long-term partnerships with Chilean companies and universities in order to build a hub for innovation in marine energies in the country".
