Marine energy could net 50,000 jobs

Ireland could create more than 50,000 jobs, if there was an aggressive development of the marine renewable energy sector, according to Tony Lewis.

Speaking at the launch of a €29m research centre, Marine Renewable Energy Ireland (MaREI), at UCC, Prof Lewis said the opportunity to create jobs and solve a global energy security crisis was on Ireland’s doorstep. “Ireland is one of the best locations on the planet in terms of marine renewable energy resources,” he said. “MaREI will support Irish companies to deliver engineering solutions required to harness this potential.

“This will lead to significant job creation in the medium to long-term. Some economic studies have suggested that an aggressive development with export activity could lead to 51,000 jobs by 2030, but that really does need application.”