MarineSpace hired as Project Manager for Demonstration Zones
Wave Hub Limited (WHL), the site operator for the Wave Hub test site in Cornwall, has contracted MarineSpace Ltd to provide project management support to help push forward the development of its new wave and tidal demonstration zones.
WHL was awarded the seabed leases for the Pembrokeshire Wave Demonstration Zone and North Devon Tidal Demonstration Zone by the Crown Estate last year and has been working closely with local partners to establish the industry demand for both sites and explore funding opportunities.
The Pembrokeshire Wave Demonstration Zone is located off the West Wales coast close to Pembroke Dock and covers an area of 90 sq km and the North Devon Tidal Demonstration Zone is located in the Bristol Channel near Lynmouth and covers an area of 35 sq km. Both sites have the potential to support the demonstration of arrays of devices with a generating capacity of up to 30MW for each project.
In their capacity as Project Manager for the zones, MarineSpace will enable the necessary feasibility, design and consents work to get underway; will look to assist WHL in securing funding for this activity; and will also help with stakeholder engagement.
Joseph Kidd, Technical Director at MarineSpace, who will act as Project Manager based out of MarineSpace’s Pembrokeshire office commented:
“The demonstration zones could have an important role to play in helping marine energy take that big next step to commercial projects, and they could also represent a significant opportunity for the local economy and wider supply chains in each of the regions. Being part of that local supply chain we are delighted to have the opportunity to work with WHL and its partners and help drive forward the development of the zones.”
Claire Gibson, Managing Director of WHL, added:
“We have been able to confirm the industry interest in both of these sites and local partners are now eager for us to move to the next phase. We are therefore delighted to have MarineSpace on board given their track record and local knowledge, which will complement our own experience of developing and operating Wave Hub. We look forward to working with them to realise the opportunities both sites could generate for Pembrokeshire and North Devon.”
David Jones, Project Manager of Marine Energy Pembrokeshire said:
“With €100.4 million of EU Structural Funds prioritised by the Welsh Government for marine energy in Wales, two Demonstration Zones, seabed agreements in place for 4 separate wave and tidal projects and a number of proposals for tidal range projects, Wales has the potential to be a world-leader in the marine energy market – as a significant generator and, just as importantly, as an exporter of marine energy knowledge, technologies and services. MarineSpace are ideally placed to support this emerging sector in Wales and we look forward to working with them as they progress work on the South Pembrokeshire Demonstration Zone.”
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Notes to editors:
Wave Hub Limited (WHL) is the site operator for Wave Hub, the world’s largest and most technologically advanced site for testing and demonstrating arrays of wave energy devices. The company is currently owned and funded by the UK Government Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. Further information is available at wavehub.co.uk
MarineSpace Ltd is a marine planning and environmental consultancy which provides specialist advice and services to clients across a range of sectors. MarineSpace was formed in 2006, and currently has offices in Southampton, Peterborough and Milford Haven. Further information is available at www.marinespace.co.uk