Andrew George MP – big boost for World Leading Wave Hub

The MP for the West Cornwall and Isles of Scilly constituency of St Ives, Andrew George, welcomed today’s proposals by the Government to give a crucial boost to the Cornish Wave Hub project with an increase in support available for large scale marine renewable electricity generation under the Renewables Obligation Certificates (ROC).

Mr George, who leads for the Liberal Democrats on the Environment and Energy, has long campaigned for the Government to increase the level of support available to wave energy projects, and has highlighted the importance of the Wave Hub project located north of his constituency. Mr George has previously called on the Energy Secretary to provide better support for wave energy generation under the ROCs, and has highlighted the need to catch up with the levels of support offered by the Scottish Government for marine renewables, including wave energy generation.

The Wave Hub project has successfully installed a plug 10 kilometres off the north coast of Mr George’s constituency from a landfall in Hayle. It allows for the large scale testing and development of wave energy devices and technology.

Mr George said:

“This is crucial for the Wave Hub project. Support has been increased from two ROCs to five, and will significantly increase commercial interest in this research and development project and speed investment.”

“It’s great news for Cornwall and its economy. There is no other commercial scale project in the world. This will ensure the region will become the leader in the field. We mustn’t lose our chance to be at the cutting edge.”