The Crown Estate, which manages the UK seabed, announced it awarded seabed rights to establish six new wave and tidal current demonstration zones throughout the UK including offshore Cornwall.
The moves is the first time local based companies can manage and sublet parts of the seabed to wave and tidal current developers.
Wave Hub successfully won the management rights of the North Cornwall Demonstration Zone. It was one of six zones and five project sites spread around the the UK, with three off the coast of England – North Cornwall, North Devon and Dorset, four off the coast of Scotland – Mull of Galloway, Isle of Harris, Islay and Stronsay Firth, three off the Welsh coast – South Pembrokeshire, West Anglesey and Holyhead Deep and one in Northern Ireland – Strangford Lough.
Orkney, Islay, Harris and Galloway were also unveiled as wave and tidal power sites under the plans.
Stuart Herbert, commercial director of Wave Hub, said: “Wave Hub has extensive knowledge and expertise relating to the management of offshore renewable energy test sites through all stages of development from feasibility study to infrastructure installation and operation.
“We are delighted to have the opportunity to combine many years of practical offshore test site development and management expertise with the specific local knowledge and established stakeholder network developed by our partners at Cornwall Council. The formation of this experienced partnership will ensure that the opportunity to maximise marine energy development in the region is fully exploited.”
Rob Hastings, director of energy and infrastructure at The Crown estate hailed the deal a critical step towards unlocking the UK’s natural potential.
He said: “By providing these additional seabed rights we are pleased to be enabling further technology development and commercialisation, which will be critical if the UK is to unlock its significant natural resources for wave and tidal current energy.
“This innovative approach to leasing the seabed sees us responding to market demand and introducing managed demonstration zones to give other organisations the opportunity to lend tangible support in their local areas.”
Cornwall Council Portfolio holder for Economy and Culture, Cllr Julian German added: “We are hugely encouraged by The Crown Estate’s decision to create this new Demonstration Zone, which will be managed by Wave Hub. In the global drive towards the future commercialisation, it is further recognition of the strategic importance of Cornwall in the deployment of Marine Renewable Energy technologies especially in terms of wave and floating wind technologies.
“Through its commitments to Wave Hub and the recently launched Offshore Renewable Development Programme Cornwall Council remains fully dedicated to on-going investment and development in this growing sector, to ensure the commercialisation of wave technology and the continued growth of Cornwall and Isles of Scilly world leading marine renewable supply chain.”
The news was also welcomed by RenewableUK’s Wave and Tidal development manager Dee Nunn, who said: “This announcement by The Crown Estate is being hailed within the sector as another major step forward. It marks the beginning of a significant expansion of the UK’s capacity to harness our excellent wave and tidal energy resources, with the seabed rights agreed for 6 new demonstration zones and 5 project sites.
“Expanding the remits of test centres like EMEC and Wave Hub to cover some of these demonstration zones will ensure that skills continue to be built up in the areas around the Marine Energy Parks. These leases add weight to the case for the expansion of grid connections to key wave and tidal energy sites such those as around the Scottish islands.
“The range of sites shows that many parts of the UK will benefit from this growth of wave and tidal power, from Cornwall to Orkney. In the longer term, these technologies have the potential to supply as much as 20% of the UK’s electricity needs, in a market which could be worth up to £800 million to this country by 2035.”
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