Tech Works Marine, a Dun Laoghaire-based Earth-observation company, has won a €670,000 contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) to expand the use of satellite imagery in the renewables sector globally.
This is the second significant ESA contract the company has won in recent months.
Earth observation is the use of optical and radar images of the earth and sea surface taken by satellites orbiting the planet.
In the case of Tech Works Marine, the focus is on the wave and tidal energy sector, where the company is already commercially active in a number of geographic markets.
This project will enable the company to recruit a number of highly skilled staff, and expand its product and service offering to a wider range of users at a global scale.
An ocean of opportunity awaits
“We have been working in the field of operational oceanography for the last decade,” Charlotte O’Kelly, managing director of TechWorks Marine, explained.
“Over the last four years we have developed closer links with ESA, which have resulted in this contract.
“Our specific expertise in this renewable sector has been key to being awarded the contract and we plan to use the services developed as part of this funding to expand our current sales opportunities and generate new jobs for staff here in Dublin,” O’Kelly said.
The latest ESA project was secured with the help of Enterprise Ireland, which aims to expand usage of Earth observation in the renewable energy sector in Ireland.
The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte, TD, congratulated the company on its achievement.
“TechWorks Marine are representative of the many Irish enterprises in what is a competitive and growing industry; one which will guarantee high-quality jobs for Irish people and move our economy forward.
“The project we are launching today is a direct result not only of the excellent human capital that our economy possesses, but also a reflection of Ireland’s strong partnership with European industry, and in particular the European Space Agency.
“With Government support, and the continuing initiative of the private sector, renewable-energy technologies promise to be a market leader in this country’s return to growth,” Rabbitte said.
