North leading way on research into wave and tidal technology
Aug 12 2010 by John Hill, The Journal
Among the incentives on offer are Renewable Obligation Certificates, which generators are awarded for renewable energy they produce. Wilson says the money for the ROC scheme has been secured from the government, while bodies such as the Technology Strategy Board, the Carbon Trust and the Energy Technologies Institute offer funding for innovation and technology development. The centre is also involved in research on the environmental drawbacks and benefits of installing wave and tidal technology.
He says: “It’s difficult in a time of cuts but funding levels need to be maintained if not increased. I’m confident the support will be maintained. The challenge for government is to get the balance right between what it needs to pay as an incentive and what it needs to put in as cash. It’s a new industry and it’s difficult when the recovery needs to happen, and when the major benefits won’t be felt for another 10 years.”
Project Nautilus itself is expected to be operational from 2012, and will offer a 3MW marine drive train technology development and test centre, predominantly for use in tidal technology development.
Wilson says: “We’ll be able to test major components on land in the dry, such as power conversion equipment. Right now the industry is learning how to survive in the sea. The next phase is to deliver reliable, cost-effective technology but we have to survive first.”
Narec’s progress in renewable energy work was praised by the coalition Government’s Business Secretary Vince Cable during a visit to the facility last week. The Government itself has pledged to be the greenest government ever, and its 2010 annual energy statement promises to provide the opportunity for deployment of marine energy devices alongside onshore infrastructure such as grid, industry and supply chain development, economic regeneration, skills and academic excellence.
It has said it will make detailed proposals by the end of the year for the development of Marine Energy Parks around the British coast.
Wilson says: “This is a very early stage industry but the national Government has recognised its importance. Narec is one of three key sectors in the UK for developing the large-scale technology through to deployment.
“In the North East we have a very strong maritime base in shipbuilding and port infrastructure is suitable for both offshore wind and marine. Narec is based where the skills and expertise are and it’s exporting those skills around the UK.
“We’ve already seen equipment tested at Narec and delivered to Emec. The Wave Hub is not finished yet but technology tested at Narec will end up being deployed there. We’re hoping to tie the three together to make a more co-ordinated collaboration.
“Narec provides the bridge between academia and industry. What’s also significant is that two of our thriving companies – CTC Marine and Digital Surveys – are realising they can provide services to these new markets.”
The UK Government learns from its mistakes and it now recognises that to maintain its lead it needs to offer a number of incentives
