Floating wind progress for Cornwall

The deal will see Hexicon through its UK subsidiary, TwinHub Limited, acquire the assets of Wave Hub Limited from the local authority, Cornwall Council, for an undisclosed sum, a move that has been welcomed by local renewable energy innovation body Marine-i.

The Wave Hub test site lies 16km off the north Cornwall coast. Hexicon intends to develop the site for a 30-40MW floating offshore wind project and deploy their innovative twin-turbine floating foundation.

The project, called TwinHub, will be seen as a coup for Cornwall, which has a significant offshore renewable energy supply chain and has worked hard to position the maritime region as a base for floating offshore wind projects in the Celtic Sea.

Commenting on the news, Prof Lars Johnanning, Programme Director for Marine-i, said:

“This is excellent news and a real step forward for Cornwall in its ambition to become one of the world’s leading regions for floating offshore wind technology.

“Hexicon is highly experienced in the field of renewable energy and has already installed some innovative energy projects around the world. Having a major player like Hexicon investing into Cornwall is bound to stimulate interest in the region from other leading international players.”

Use of the site by Twin Hub for floating offshore wind technologies is ultimately subject to the agreement of The Crown Estate, with whom lease discussions are currently ongoing.

By Jake Frith