Cornish wave hub impact debated

The government will provide some funding if the project goes ahead

Plans for a wave hub off the coast of Cornwall which would collect energy from wave turbines have been debated at a public meeting.

Some people are worried it will adversely affect the environment, while others believe it will have a positive impact on green energy and the economy.

Sited 10 miles (16km) off St Ives Bay, it could generate enough power to meet 3% of Cornwall's energy needs.

The £20m hub is backed by the South West Regional Development Agency.

Wave height fears

Reports by two separate bodies have come up with different conclusions and an independent review will now be carried out into both.

The government has said it will provide almost 25% of the estimated £20m cost of the project if approved.

Some surfers are worried the wave devices could take energy from the waves and reduce wave heights by up to 10%, putting the surfing industry in Cornwall at risk.

But the environmental campaign group, Surfers Against Sewage, said it supported the wave energy project.