THE Torch Theatre is set to host the annual Marine Energy Pembrokeshire Industry Seminar on March 14.

This event has been fully booked with experts from across the field of marine renewables for the last six years, and this year promises record attendance.

Interest in Wales and Pembrokeshire in particular is on the rise due to the progression of two marine energy demonstration zones, awarded seabed leases and tidal lagoons, combined with the availability of €100.4 million structural funding prioritising marine energy.

Event hosts Marine Energy Pembrokeshire are delighted that Edwina Hart, Minister for Economy, Science and Transport will deliver the key note address to kick off the packed itinerary.

Delegates will then have the opportunity to listen to speakers from Welsh European Funding Office, Natural Resources Wales, the Port of Milford Haven and many more.

Developers such as Tidal Energy Ltd, Marine Power Systems and Tidal Lagoon Power will also be providing updates on their projects throughout the course of the day.

A key milestone for marine renewable energy was reached last December with the first device in Welsh waters being deployed at Ramsey Sound. Following the conference, Tidal Energy Ltd's team will be hosting delegates at St. Justinian’s to showcase their deployment and monitoring operations of the Deltastream device.

David Jones, Project Director of Marine Energy Pembrokeshire said: “It is looking to be a record year in terms of conference attendees. This is testament to the huge amount of work that has already gone into highlighting the opportunities Pembrokeshire and Wales can offer the sector. This new sustainable energy sector can benefit from our significant natural resources the grid connection possibilities, the transferable skills of the oil and gas industry, research links, the world class port facilities and the area designated as an energy Enterprise Zone."

To enable discussions to continue after the formal event closure, a networking dinner will be held on the evening of the conference. For details on how to book a place, contact Holly Pretious on holly.pretious@marineenergypembrokeshire.co.uk.