Wave Hub expected to be installed and operational by 2010

The Wave Hub renewable energy project off the coast of South West England is back on track for deployment in 2010.

In April this year, the South West RDA had confirmed a new timetable for the installation of the Wave Hub, the first device of its kind on the shores of the UK to allow commercial exploitation of wave energy, planned for Spring 2010 - a year later than anticipated. The project got delayed a result of the disappointing response from the market and the long lead in time to design the equipment, pushing back its installation. In April, it was also said that the $100+ cost per barrel of oil led to a boom in oil and gas exploration which had increased substantially the cost of the equipment needed to install Wave Hub. Volatile markets had also seen significant increases in the cost of copper which increased the cost of the cable that will be laid between Wave Hub and the mainland.

But on a positive note, recently, it was announced that J P Kenny will manage the design, procurement and construction of the Wave Hub renewable energy project.

Consents have already been obtained from the UK Government for the Wave Hub site.

Over the next few months, J P Kenny will be working on the concept designs for Wave Hub, progressing to detailed designs by May of next year.