A pioneering project to create a new marine energy test site has seen Falmouth Harbour Commissioners (FHC) shortlisted in the Best Business Innovation category for the Regen South West Green Energy Awards 2012.
FHC was nominated for the launch earlier this year of the FaB Test test site in Falmouth Bay. The site gives marine energy developers the chance to test devices in a pre-licensed and consented area of near shore environment that is easily accessible.
Regen SW’s Green Energy Awards celebrate renewable energy achievements in the South West of the UK, and aim to highlight examples of innovation and drive forward the sustainability agenda in the region.
An independent panel of judges will now review all the entries to the awards, before the winners in each of six categories are announced at an awards dinner to be held on November 20 in Bath.
Falmouth Harbour Master Captain Mark Sansom said: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted for the 2012 Green Energy Awards, and it is fantastic to be recognised for all the hard work that has gone into making the FaB Test site a reality.
“With FaB Test now up and running, it will play an important role in maintaining the South West’s position as the leading UK region for marine renewables, as it allows essential technology testing to be carried out in sheltered waters, close to port.”
The project originated as a partnership between FHC, Wave Hub, the University of Exeter, A&P Group, Cornwall Marine Network and Mojo Maritime, the FaB Test site is centred about two miles south of St Anthony Head.
In April 2012, FaB Test welcomed the first wave device to be installed for testing. Fred Olsen’s BOLT “Lifesaver” wave energy converter is currently being tested at the site, before potentially being deployed at the grid connected Wave Hub site, off the Cornish Coast near Hayle.
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Press release, September 20, 2012; Image: wavehub