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Nova Innovation expands in Wales

24.01.2018

Tidal energy leader Nova Innovation has announced an expansion of its activity in Wales, heralding an exciting period of growth for the company. Nova has opened a new office at the Galeri community enterprise centre in Caernarfon, and appointed Gwynedd-based Dr
Kate Smith as Environment Manager.

 

Nova already has an established presence in Wales, in the Pembroke Dock-based Marine Energy Hub. The opening of Nova’s Caernarfon office and the appointment of Kate Smith signal the start of Nova’s growth in Wales, which is being supported by funding from Cronfa Cymunedau’r Arfordir (Coastal Communities Fund), and reflect the company’s commitment to its projects in North Wales.

 

Nova is working with community group YnNi Llŷn to deliver a 1 MW project at Bardsey Island off the Llyn Peninsula, and has secured a berth in the Morlais tidal energy site off Anglesey.

Speaking of the expansion, Simon Forrest, CEO Nova Innovation said:

 

“We are delighted to be growing the Welsh side of our business, and excited about the opportunities here for a thriving and sustainable marine energy industry that is good for business and for the people of Wales. Our commitment to sustainable development, local investment and supply chain sourcing is at the heart of Nova’s vision. We’re all about community, creativity and enterprise, so Galeri is a natural choice for us in North Wales.”

 

Simon added: “We’re extremely pleased to have Kate on board at Nova. She brings a wealth of local knowledge and environmental consenting and regulatory experience, from her previous roles, most recently at Natural Resources Wales. Kate is exactly the person we need to help deliver Nova’s projects in North Wales.”

 

Kate will also be involved in several exciting research projects to improve the technical and environmental evidence base for tidal devices and arrays.

 

Speaking of her new role with Nova, Kate said:

 

“Nova Innovation is a world leader in tidal energy, with a dynamic and talented team and is well-placed to succeed in this emerging new industry. I’m extremely excited to join the business, and very much look forward to playing my part in its future growth.”

 

Since its inception in 2010, Nova has been at the forefront of tidal energy technology development. In 2016 Nova Innovation was the first company in the world to deploy a fully operational grid-connected offshore tidal array.