The Government is looking to get the UK's bruised and battered renewable industry back on course with the announcement of the first marine energy park tomorrow.
The green energy cluster will be based in Plymouth, and according to reports will bring together the south west's universities, low-carbon energy technology companies and decision-makers.
It is hoped the network will act as a catalyst for investment and innovation in wave, tidal and offshore wind power.
Energy Minister Greg Barker will announce details of the scheme tomorrow morning, which will involve Bath, Bristol, Exeter and Plymouth universities as well as a number of leading private-sector companies
The south west of England is said to have the renewable capacity of two nuclear power stations because it is exposed to the natural power potential of the Atlantic.
According to one report, the south west region could generate 9.2GW from offshore wind and marine energy dotted around the coastline.
Earlier this month, the Government stepped in to take over ownership of the Wave Hub asset from the South West Regional Development Agency (RDA).
To manage the day-to-day operation of the testing facility on its behalf, BIS set up a stand-alone operating company, Wave Hub Limited, which is based in Hayle, Cornwall. This arrangement allows the project to build on the operational plans already put in place by the RDA.
BIS and the RDA have been discussing the Wave Hub's future since closure of the RDA was confirmed by the Government last summer. BIS has always recognised Wave Hub's unique position as a nationally-important asset to develop the UK's capacity to generate energy through the power of ocean waves.
Business Minister Mark Prisk said "As part of the transition to a green economy the Government is committed to developing clean energy sources including marine. Development of the Wave Hub in Cornwall will bring both environmental and economic benefits to the UK and I am pleased that we are able to take this positive step today."
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