Carnegie Wave Energy at Wave Hub

I have always believed that Wave Hub is a really exciting project. It is the world’s largest and most technologically advanced site for the testing and development of offshore renewable energy technology. It is establishing Hayle as an international centre of excellence in the renewable energy technologies of the future, and this in turn is securing the UK’s reputation as a market leader in offshore renewables.

I am delighted that Carnegie Wave Energy, a leading wave energy developer from Australia, has been awarded a grant to support the first phase of its £60m commercial wave energy project at Wave Hub. Carnegie Wave Energy is the only company in the world to have operated a grid-connected wave energy project over four seasons, and I believe that it is wonderful news for Cornwall.

The project will be delivered by Carnegie’s local subsidiary, CWE UK, which is already based at the Hayle Marine Renewable Business Park. Delivery of the project will leverage Cornwall’s wave energy resource, marine energy revenue support, maritime industrial heritage, Wave Hub infrastructure, and innovative marine engineering and research sectors.

Additionally, the project will include engagement with, and coordination of, a suitable supply chain for the construction and operational phases. Having spoken with representatives from Carnegie Wave Energy, I am confident that the project will bring huge opportunities to commercialise wave energy in the UK.

Carnegie Wave Energy will be announcing the funding and the CETO Wave Hub Project at the Ocean Energy Europe conference in Brussels this week. I will be meeting with representatives from Carnegie at Hayle, and look forward to learning more about the project.

Attracting Carnegie Wave Energy to Cornwall highlights a long term commitment to this sector. I am hugely proud of what has been achieved at Wave Hub. I am excited about its future, and believe that we should fully support continued investment in this sector.