The new hub for marine renewables, Marine Hub Cornwall, has been established to provide a seamless coordinated offer to the marine renewable energy sector.
Marine Hub Cornwall was set up with the aim of making Cornwall a global leader for research, technology development and expertise, and the location of choice for businesses engaged in the development, deployment and operation of marine renewable energy technologies and the associated supply chain.
It will provide access to funding such as grants and loans, research expertise and facilities, and access to a local supply chain and infrastructure, including Wave Hub, FabTest, ports on both North and South Coast and purpose built business space.
Marine Hub Cornwall was launched at Renewable UK’s Wave & Tidal Conference by George Eustice , MP for Camborne, Hayle and Redruth, who said:
“Marine Hub Cornwall is a really exciting project, and highlights a long-term commitment to the marine renewable energy sector. With world class assets such as Wave Hub, Marine Hub Cornwall will continue to secure Cornwall’s place as an international centre of excellence in the renewable energy technologies of the future. This, in turn, will secure the UK’s reputation as a market leader in offshore renewables.”
The creation of Marine Hub Cornwall has been supported by the Cornwall Council’s investment arm, Invest in Cornwall.
Nicola Lloyd , Head of Inward Investment at Invest in Cornwall, said: “Cornwall is a global player in marine renewables and in the wider the marine technology sector. The region is home to ambitious and innovative businesses, with world-class talent committed to achieving pioneering future technologies.”
The marine renewables sector has been prioritized for support under the €438 million Cornwall and Isles of Scilly European Growth Programme, and the newly created hub will enable this to be targeted correctly to shape the future of marine renewables, according to Marine Hub Cornwall.