More than £10 million has been secured to boost the marine technology sector in Pembrokeshire.

Announced by Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford, the £10.3m of EU funding will support the design and testing of a fully-submerged membrane-style wave energy convertor capable of generating large amounts of electricity – paving the way for the developers, Bombora Wave Power Europe, to construct and commercialise the technology from its Pembrokeshire base.

Overall, the £15m scheme is expected to create up to 20 jobs in South West Wales.

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Professor Drakeford said: "We want Wales to be at the forefront of research and innovation in the marine energy field and I am delighted to announce more than £10m of EU funding to help develop technology that creates large amounts of renewable electricity.

"Developers from across the globe are showing an active interest in developing projects in Welsh waters, recognising Wales has one of the best marine energy resources and support structures to be found anywhere.

"It's a very exciting time for marine energy in Wales and this initiative is another major step in building a thriving industry in Pembrokeshire and Wales."

Bombora Wave Power Europe's Managing Director, Sam Leighton, said: "Bombora is very grateful to secure the £10.3m EU support package for our exciting 1.5MW trial project. Since setting up our European headquarters in Pembrokeshire last year we have been working with local suppliers and have quickly grown our talented team to work on this exciting new project."

(LM/CM)