It is hoped the Wave Hub will be operational by 2007

The �13m project, backed by the South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA), could see electricity being generated within the next few years.

Details of the Wave Hub project will be on display at the Passmore Edwards Institute in Hayle.

A team of scientists is due to take core samples from the sea bed in St Ives Bay over the next few weeks.

We want to understand the marine life in the area and the nature of the sea bed Nick Harrington, SWRDA

The marine experts will drill to a depth of up to 20ft (6m) and carry out a detailed underwater video and photographic survey to identify potential obstacles, including wrecks.

Other studies will look at water quality, sediment analysis and marine life.

Nick Harrington, SWRDA's Wave Hub project manager, said the surveys will give them more detailed information.

He said: "We want to understand the marine life in the area and the nature of the sea bed so that after the wave energy converters have been installed we can see what impact, if any, they have had.

Government support

In August, researchers studying the height of waves and current strengths said the area had huge potential, with waves reaching almost 20ft (6m).

The Wave Hub will act as an offshore electrical "socket" connected to the national grid by an underwater cable. It is due to be put in place by 2007.

Sited about 10 miles out to sea off the coast of north Cornwall, SWRDA said it would have the potential to generate electricity for 14,000 homes and could create about 700 jobs by 2020.

The ambitious project has been given the backing of the Department of Trade and Industry.