Wave and Tidal Technology Symposium (WATTS 09)
In keeping with tradition, this year’s WATTS will be held at yet another stunning venue: Leasowe Castle on the Wirral, with fast and regular train connections to Liverpool Lime Street.
| What |
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|---|---|
| When |
Sep 22, 2009 from 12:00 AM to 12:00 AM |
| Where | Leasowe Castle, Merseyside |
| Contact Name | Sarah-Jane Freni |
| Contact Phone | 02079253573 |
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The UK has long-regarded itself as the world leader in marine renewables. This reputation was established through our impressive performance in device development, with both clear leaders and a long and innovative tail. The WATTS conference – the Wave and Tidal Technology Symposium - was launched in 2003 to showcase this remarkable diversity. Yet how well deserved is this accolade six years on?
It takes more than smart technology to develop a marine renewables industry. Technologies will ultimately converge – and it’s not always the best that wins out. And device development needs to be nurtured in an environment where there is a healthy domestic market. One only has to witness our wind energy heritage. A 3MW wind turbine was installed in Orkney in 1987 – well before its time. Yet Denmark, where the focus was deployment rather than R&D, and turbines started out small and then evolved into the giants we see today, has emerged as the leader.
Deployment needs a healthy environment which fosters project development. This requires financial incentives and appropriate consenting regimes.
Can the UK maintain its position as world leader when it arguably has only one leg of the stool (i.e. device development) firmly on the ground? The other two - financial incentives and consenting regimes - are wobbly. Are there lessons to be learned from other countries to help us build a firm platform from which this promising industry can take off?
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