We're investigating the potential of both wave and tidal stream energy technologies - known together as marine renewables.

In particular, we're investigating the potential for a small, pre-commercial demonstration wave energy project. Known as WestWave, this would be deployed off the coast of North Cornwall at the site of the Wave Hub. This is currently being developed by the South West Regional Development Agency as a long-term facility for the pre-commercial trial of wave energy projects.

If given the go ahead, WestWave would produce around 3MW. It could be operational in 2011.

We're also investigating the potential of trialling a small, pre-commercial tidal stream energy project in Pembrokeshire, South Wales. The project would use between four and eight tidal turbine devices and, if given the go ahead, could be operational by 2012. We're currently undertaking initial site feasibility studies and stakeholder consultation and we intend to begin environmental impact assessment work in 2008.

It's our intention to develop, construct and operate these projects for a number of years to give us the experience and skills we need to proceed to larger scale commercial projects.