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BWEA Wave & Tidal 09BWEA's sixth annual, and the world's largest, event dedicated to wave and tidal stream energy, sponsored by the South West RDA, was an overwhelming success. With over 450 delegates and 32 exhibitors the conference focused on the issues of Environmental Impacts, Grid and Infrastructure, Development and Deployment, and Major Marine Power Delivery. Access conference proceedingsOf major note were speeches from Lord Hunt (Minister for Sustainable Development and Energy Innovation) and Trevor Raggatt (Deputy Director Energy Innovation at DECC), who announced the foundations of a Strategic Environmental Assessment for Marine Energy in England and Wales. Whilst the question of how much of the budget will be made available to marine renewables industry remained elusive, there was confirmation that the government was behind the industry and understood the challenges it faced. An answer is expected shortly. A boost for the industry in the South West of England came from Kelvyn Derrick, Deputy Chairman of South West RDA, core sponsors of the event, declaring the re-launch of the South West Marine Energy Strategy Programme and the reaffirmation of the Wave Hub project. During a session from developers sharing their experiences in the deployment process, Pelamis Wave Power announced their P2 device. Key to this session was the issues of instillation and maintenance. There was also good news on the environmental front, with the Executive Director of Natural England, Andrew Wood, stating Natural England’s commitment to the industry and announcing a new wave and tidal policy, which will encourage the speed of deployment through active engagement with the industry. Other positive environmental news came from Prof. Martin Attrill of PRIMaRE, and Justine Saunders of ABPmer, both conveying the message that the instillation of marine devices could bring benefits to the marine environment. Other highlights saw BWEA launch a report that outlined how marine technologies can complement wind, increasing the cost effectiveness of renewables and ultimately expanding the potential share for renewables in the overall generation mix, as well as aiding security of supply. The announcement of the Pentland Firth Project, by The Crown Estate, was strongly welcomed, as was the insight into the Severn Tidal Power Project that was provided by Prof. Roger Falconer. A fantastic networking event took place on the eve of conference at the historic Roman Baths and Pump Rooms, sponsored by EMEC and BSI, to give delegates increased opportunity to meet new faces and do business with existing contacts. In response to member feedback BWEA also organised a side event seminar dedicated to promoting the wave and tidal supply chain, sponsored by NaREC. Another great achievement for Industry, bringing together over 60 delegates from a wide range of industries to ensure the UK maintains its strong lead in this rapidly developing industry. BWEA would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, as well as the delegates, who all contributed to a successful, proactive and dynamic conference.If you attended and would like to give feedback, please complete and return the feedback form. BWEA Wave and Tidal 2010 will take place on 4th March 2010 at the QEII Centre in Westminster. View further details.ConferenceThe detailed conference programme is available to view here. The proceedings will be posted online here approximately two weeks after the conference. Sessions addressed:
Exhibition32 companies active in the UK wave and tidal stream energy sector exhibited at the event. See who exhibited. SponsorshipBWEA would like to thank all of the event sponsors, particularly core sponsors, the South West RDA.
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