A BIG YEAR FOR UK WAVES

Significant Wave Energy Developments Expected in 2010
May 10, 2010 (PR Web via EarthTimes)

"Even though wave device technologies are still at the proof-of concept phase, 2010 has witnessed a flurry of UK government support for wave energy with the first recipients from the Marine Renewables Proving Fund being rewarded over £10mn…

"In addition to this Carbon Trust funding, the Technology Strategy Board, the Scottish Saltire Prize and also EC funding all hold promise…The recent announcements from the Crown Estate on the Scottish waters leasing agreements marks a new dawn for the wave energy industry as commercial scale projects are moving into action for serious development. With 700MW of installed capacity on the table by 2020, the industry has a great deal to accomplish in the next decade if wave energy is going to be a viable resource."

If the UK failed to develop these assets, it would be as foolish as if the U.S. not develop its Mid-Atlantic offshore winds. (click to enlarge)

"With utilities stepping up to take real notice, progress in the Marine Bill and major developments in streamlining the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), there has never been a more exciting time for the wave energy sector.

"But there are substantial challenges to overcome – and only a handful of wave energy technologies have been publicly funded so far leaving dozens of companies desperate to raise capital to progress with technical and commercial development…"