13th September 2006

Ocean Prospect and E.ON announce wave energy partnership

Ocean Prospect has signed an agreement with E.ON UK, the country’s largest integrated energy company, to develop a wave energy project off the north Cornwall coast.

The project, to be known as WestWave, is a proposed 5.25MW wave power generating scheme consisting of seven Pelamis P750 machines, manufactured by Ocean Power Delivery.

The planned array, which will supply enough electricity for approximately 3,000 homes and prevent around 11,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions every year will connect to the South West Regional Development Agency’s Wave Hub.

The Wave Hub, to be sited approximately 10 nautical miles off Hayle, will provide infrastructure for up to four different companies to install wave energy generators.

A planning application for the Wave Hub was submitted in June 2006 and deployment is currently expected in 2008.

Colin Palmer, Director of Ocean Prospect said:

"We are delighted that E.ON have agreed to partner us in the development of the WestWave project. They bring additional resources and experience to the project and together I am sure that we are a team that can deliver this exciting new technology. As one who was involved in the original UK wave energy programme in the late 70's, I look forward to this country regaining its world leading role in the development of this technology."

Ends