Energy and Climate Change Minister Greg Barker has seen first-hand how Cornwall is playing a key role in the development of the marine energy industry in the UK.
The Minister, who was on a two-day visit to the region, was given a guided tour of the FaB Test marine energy nursery site in Falmouth Bay by Falmouth Harbour Commissioners, who operate the site.
He was accompanied by representatives from Wave Hub, the grid-connected offshore marine renewables test site on the north Cornwall coast; the University of Exeter; South West Marine Energy Park; local supply chain businesses and Truro and Falmouth MP Sarah Newton.
Speaking after the visit, Energy and Climate Change Minister Greg Barker said: “I was delighted to see for myself the real progress being made in marine power at Fab Test in Falmouth Bay, and the ‘Bolt Lifesaver’ wave energy device in action out at sea.
“Fab Test is a great example of the commitment to drive the marine industry forward in the South West, home to the first of the UK’s Marine Energy Parks.
“I want to see this sector build on growth so far and bring these innovative technologies to market and it’s great to see Cornwall and Devon rising to the challenge.”
FaB Test is currently home to Fred Olsen’s BOLT “Lifesaver” wave energy converter, which has been undergoing tests for the last year prior to a potential deployment at Wave Hub in the future.
Captain Mark Sansom, Chief Executive and Harbour Master at Falmouth Harbour Commissioners , said: “We took the Minister out to see the Lifesaver in action and explained how FaB Test and the Port of Falmouth are supporting the development of marine renewables. The site is attracting international interest and we are dealing with a number of other enquiries for devices to be tested on the site.”
Wave Hub general manager Claire Gibson said: “FaB Test is part of a growing network of marine energy facilities in the region which includes Wave Hub and is part of the South West Marine Energy Park, which the Minister launched last year. His visit was a great opportunity to update him on progress and explain how Cornwall is playing a key role in the UK’s marine energy industry.”
Mr Barker’s visit to Cornwall was on 25 and 26 April and included the official opening of the National Solar Centre in St Austell.
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Press release, May 2, 2013; Image: Wave Hub