A TIDAL energy device developed in Suffolk is among eight schemes in contention for the 2012 Energy Innovation Awards, being staged by the East of England Energy Group later this month.

The device, designed by Lowestoft-based 4Nrg, is intended for commercial deployment in shallow seas with fast tides.

The awards, now in their ninth year, will be judged at the Holiday Inn at Norwich International Airport during the afternoon of February 29, with the result being announced later in the day at a gala dinner at the same venue.

The judging process is free to attend for businesses keen to capitalise on the innovative ideas presented, with an opportunity to vote for alongside a team of five expert judges to be led by John Balch, director of Nautilus Associates.

Also among the finalists are:

3sun Inspection Services, of Great Yarmouth (Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tagging and handheld software for use on turbines);

Select Innovations, Loddon (EnLight advanced lighting technology delivering significant energy savings and reductions in carbon emissions);

Gradsol, London (a High Temperature Conversion of Waste (HTCW) plant processing all types of waste to electricity at up to 70% efficiency);

Tidal Transit, Docking (MV Ginny Louise, an offshore wind support vessel with innovative design and capabilities);

Oilennium, Loddon (Physical Interface Driven Simulator, a realistic new portable equipment-training simulator);

EcoStyle, Luton (Educational Renewable Energy Kits, used to bridge the gap between technologies and the classroom or community); and

OSBIT Power, Northumberland (MaXccess offshore access system to revolutionise access to offshore wind turbines from a stable platform on the vessel).

“The standards seem to get higher every year”, said EEEGR events manager Holly Harvey.

“ The finalists are chosen from a host of pioneering ideas and groundbreaking technology which can benefit our industry. Innovation is absolutely vital for its development and success across a region which is already recognised as a world leading all energy hub. ”

The winner, runner-up and best low carbon innovation all receive trophies made by Thetford engineering specialists Warren Services.

Sponsors for the event are Lowestoft College, Great Yarmouth College, Dummett Copp LLP and Choicce, with the awards also supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Attendance at the gala dinner is by ticket only. For more details visit www.eeegr.com/events/ or call Holly Harvey on 01493 446535.