First Minister, Carwyn Jones, has announced a £1.6m EU funding boost to continue the development of a pioneering tidal energy stream generator off the West Wales coast.

The funding will help Welsh marine renewable energy company, Tidal Energy Ltd, further develop the EU-backed DeltaStream device project which will provide a sustainable, low-impact source of electricity.

First Minister made the announcement whilst at the RenewableUK Conference being held in Cardiff.

During the conference he said the Welsh Government is backing a number of initiatives, including through the Planning Reform Bill, to support renewable industries, and that close collaboration with partners would be vital in driving forward the renewable industry across to deliver benefits for Welsh businesses and communities.

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He said: "I am delighted to announce £1.6m EU funds to support the DeltaStream project which will help increase Wales' presence in the tidal sector. So that we continue to deliver our low carbon ambitions, I will be chairing and hosting a strategic delivery group to ensure strong engagement with stakeholders to enable collaboration and remove any barriers to achieving our vision."

The First Minister went on to highlight his expectations for how the wind industry must work with each other, local communities and wide range of other stakeholders to ensure that wind developments deliver long-lasting benefit for the communities hosting them.

Subject to successful harbour trials, the DeltaStream device will be deployed in Ramsey Sound in 2014 and has the potential to bring a range of benefits, including clean electricity to the homes of the people of St David’s area during the 12-month demonstration period as well as long-term local employment opportunities.

(CD)