France honours the father of ocean energy Professor Tony Lewis with Chevalier Des Palmes Academiques

In recognition of his invaluable contribution to the offshore renewable energy sector across Europe, Mr. Jean-Pierre Thébault, Ambassador of France to Ireland presented Professor Lewis with the grand honour of Chevalier des Palmes Académiques.

Originally a decoration founded by Emperor Napoléon to honour eminent members of the University of Paris the Chevalier des Palmes Académiques is a national order of France for distinguished academics and figures in the world of culture and education. Dubbed the ‘father of ocean energy’, Professor Tony Lewis has dedicated his entire career to marine renewable energy and has been one of the most active members of the Ocean Energy community for the past four decades.

Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Tony Lewis said; “I am hugely honoured to accept the award of Chevalier des Palmes Académiques from Msr. Jean-Pierre Thébault, the French Ambassador to Ireland. I have a longstanding positive relationship, with many French Universities through exchange of students as well as joint European funded research projects such as MaRINET2.”

Through his teaching, research, industrial and ambassadorial roles Professor Lewis has become a great influencer in the Marine Renewable Energy sector and led the first MaRINET programme which helps industry accelerate the development of offshore renewable energy technologies and infrastructure by opening access test facilities across European countries. Professor Lewis will continue to be a driving force in MaRINET2.