Future of wave hub is secured
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Issued on 20 December 2011
The offshore marine energy
project in Cornwall, which allows developers to test new wave energy
technology, will be taken on by the Government to secure its future as
a vital part of the UK's green energy sources.
The Department for Business
Innovation and Skills (BIS) will take over ownership of the Wave Hub
asset from the South West Regional Development Agency (RDA) on the 1
January 2012.
To manage the day-to-day
operation of the testing facility on its behalf, BIS has set up a
stand-alone operating company, Wave Hub Limited, which will be based in
Hayle, Cornwall. This arrangement will allow the project to build on
the operational plans already put in place by the RDA.
BIS and the RDA have been
discussing the Wave Hub's future since closure of the RDA was confirmed
by the Government last summer. BIS has always recognised Wave Hub's
unique position as a nationally-important asset to develop the UK's
capacity to generate energy through the power of ocean waves.
Business Minister Mark Prisk
said "As part of the transition to a green economy the Government is
committed to developing clean energy sources including marine.
Development of the Wave Hub in Cornwall will bring both environmental
and economic benefits to the UK and I am pleased that we are able to
take this positive step today."
Claire Gibson has been
confirmed as Wave Hub’s permanent General Manager having acted in an
interim capacity since May. She said: "This is good news for Wave Hub,
for Cornwall and the South West and for the future of wave energy
development across the UK.
“It secures Wave Hub’s
status as a publicly-owned asset, ensures it will continue to be
locally run, and reinforces the pivotal role of Wave Hub and Cornwall
to the development of a commercial marine energy industry in the UK.
“I am delighted to be
leading this important project and am absolutely committed to ensuring
Wave Hub is a success - supporting companies to prove their technology
and delivering economic benefit for Cornwall. I look forward to
welcoming our first customer at Wave Hub in the near future.”
Notes
1. Wave Hub is a grid-connected offshore ‘socket’ in South
West England for the large scale testing of technologies that generate
electricity from the power of the waves.
2. The Wave Hub infrastructure was installed in 2010 about 16
km off the North Cornwall coast with the undersea connecting cable
coming ashore at Hayle.
3. The Wave Hub operating company will assume responsibility
from the RDA for the safe and efficient operation of the testing
facility from 1 January 2012.
4. Further information about the Wave Hub project can be found
at http://www.wavehub.co.uk.
About the Author
© Crown Copyright. Material taken from the BIS Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. Reproduced under the terms and conditions of the Click-Use Licence.
