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A cluster of wave power devices for the Western Isles was brought
closer to reality today with the awarding of £3.7m to marine
technology companies by Energy Minister Brian Wilson.
Two companies - Wavegen and Tidal Hydraulic Generators Ltd (THGL)
-
have now passed the necessary technical appraisal to take their
projects from design-stage to prototype.
The grants are being awarded to help the development of commercial
projects that could produce electricity for the National Grid.
- Inverness-based Wavegen, are being awarded £2.1m to harness
wave
energy from a new prototype, building on their past experience
with
the world's first commercial wave machine on the Isle of Islay
and
other devices;
- THGL, who operate out of Broad Haven in Pembrokeshire, will
receive £1.6m to develop and test a tidal stream prototype
which
could be deployed in areas of fast tidal flow around the world.
Energy Minister Brian Wilson said:
"Wave and tidal power have huge potential to supply a significant
proportion of the country's future energy needs.
"Britain is already a world-leader in this technology. However,
it is
essential that we move from the research and development phase,
which
has been going on for many years, into commercial application.
"That is why I am particularly keen to build on the success
of the
solitary existing wave power station which is on Islay. Last year,
I
announced support in principle to Wavegen for a series of near-shore
devices in the Western Isles, based on the same technical principles.
"I am delighted that this project has now obtained the green
light
from the expert assessment panel which looks thoroughly at all
such
proposals. They have worked closely with Wavegen to satisfy
themselves about the technical viability of the project, which
is
intended to supply energy to the Scottish and Southern Electricity
network.
"In recent months, Wavegen have been engaged in extensive
surveys
aimed at identifying the optimum locations for these installations.
I
also hope that there will be direct economic benefits to the islands
through the construction work taking place at the newly re-opened
Arnish yard, although this is a commercial judgement for Wavegen.
"Similarly, I am delighted to support THGL's tidal prototype
in
Pembrokeshire. The potential for such devices in the UK is
significant but it also important to remember that there is going
to
be a global demand for proven technologies and we are well placed
to
capture this market once they are operating successfully in the
UK.
"Success in projects of this sort will further the commercial
development of wave and tidal energy and could lead to the creation
of a major industrial sector with export potential."
There are potential benefits for manufacturing industries in
the
supply of fabrication services, hydraulic equipment, generators
and
power transmission products, as well as for installation and
maintenance contractors.
Notes for editors:
1. The Government is committed to supporting the development
of new
and renewable energy technologies the realisation of which will
help
meet its target of 10% of electricity supply from renewables by
2010.
2. Wave and tidal energy is a large potential resource in the
U.K.
and worldwide. Support for these two novel concepts through to
prototype demonstration will expand the DTI's research and
development programme in this area adding to the diversity of
device
concepts currently under development by industry.
3. Wavegen is one of the UK's leading developers of wave energy
technology and have successfully constructed the "Limpet
500", a
shoreline wave energy electricity generator operating on Islay
in
Scotland which utilises oscillating water column (OWC) technology.
This new concept is also based on the use of OWC and its development
will help realise the potential for its application offshore.
4. Tidal Hydraulic Generators Ltd (THGL) is a new company formed
in
2000 with the aim of developing this and other tidal stream power
generation technologies to commercialisation. This project will
result in the construction of a prototype device consisting of
a
seabed fixed frame supporting five turbines.
5. THGL have been awarded a grant of £1,592,250. Wavegen
will receive
£2,135,000.
6. Examples of existing wave and tidal projects which are currently
being supported under the DTI's new and renewable energy programme
are available at the following web addresses: www.wavegen.com,
www.engb.co.uk,
www.oceanpd.com.
Public Enquiries: 020-7215 5000
Textphone (for people with hearing impairments): 020-7215 6740
www.dti.gov.uk
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