Wave partner

Wave Hub, the wave-energy project to be built next year off the coast of south-west England, has announced another wave-energy development partner.

Cornwall-based Orecon's oscillating water column wave-to-energy buoy will occupy the fourth berth at Wave Hub, which aims to be operational from August next year.

Orecon was established in 2002 by Nicola Harper and Fraser Johnson who had been developing wave-energy technology since 2001. The company was formed as a 'spin-out' from their postgraduate project at Plymouth University, which included sea trials of a 12th scale concept prototype.

Last year, it succeeded in raising $24m (£17m) of private investment for the development of its buoy, which can generate enough power for 1,000 homes.

Orecon takes the place of Australian company Oceanlinx, which was expected to use Wave Hub. The company has since received a grant from the Australian government and has decided to make its next deployment in Australian waters.