'Too late' to relocate Wave Hub

The hub could deliver electricity to the national grid by 2009

Calls by Cornish fishermen to change the location for the green energy Wave Hub scheme have been rejected.

Work on the UK's first large-scale wave energy project is due to begin next year off the coast of north Cornwall.

Sited 10 miles (16km) off Hayle, the hub will use the waves to activate turbines which could generate enough electricity for 14,000 homes.

But the authorities said government consent had been granted and it was too late to reconsider the location.

Official consent was granted in September by John Hutton, Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform.

'Shipping hazard'

Paul Trebilcock, from the Cornish Fish Producers Organisation, said fishermen fear the scheme could be a hazard to shipping, and would disrupt an important fishing ground.

However, Nick Harrington, from the Regional Development Agency (RDA), said the project will make Cornwall a world-leader in wave energy.

It is thought Wave Hub could generate about £330m for the regional economy over 25 years.

The proposed power station will involve up to 20 sets of machines, with pumps, pistons and turbines, and should deliver electricity to the national grid by 2009.