NEWS > Marine renewables to power South West future
Published: Friday, 07 Jan, 2011
The marine renewables sector will generate over 5750 new jobs and inject an estimated GBP4.8 billion into the South West economy from 2015 onwards, according to a report published on 30 December 2010. The ORRAD, Offshore Renewables Resource and Development South West Economic Impact Assessment, report commissioned by the South West RDA, found that this relatively new sector will be important to the economic future of the region.
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The marine renewables sector will generate over 5750 new jobs and inject an estimated GBP4.8 billion into the South West economy from 2015 onwards, according to a report published on 30 December 2010. The ORRAD, Offshore Renewables Resource and Development South West Economic Impact Assessment, report commissioned by the South West RDA, found that this relatively new sector will be important to the economic future of the region. A research report in October showed that the South West is capable of generating 9220 MW of electricity from various marine sources, enough power for more than double the current domestic electricity needs of the whole of the South West.
Once installation of the technology takes place most of the work will be in ongoing operations and maintenance, with over 5000 people involved in this by 2030. The industry will represent around 0.20% of the future total employment in the South West, making it one of the most important future employers, alongside more mature sectors such as aerospace (0.79%). The GBP4.8 billion boost to the economy will come significantly from offshore wind technology being deployed, but wave and tidal technologies also make substantial contributions. This level of activity will require significant investment in the region.
Claire Gibson, director of sustainable resources at the South West RDA said: "The findings of the ORRAD report highlight the significance of the marine renewables sector to the future of the region - not just through environmentally friendly electricity production, but also to the future employment and economic growth of the South West. These findings also reinforce the work and funding we have put into projects such as the Wave Hub and the research of Peninsula Research Institute for marine Renewable Energy (PRIMaRE). Hopefully this mantle will be taken up by successor agencies in the future and our commitment to renewable energy in the South West continued."
Nick Ames Managing Director at Supacat said: "The ORRAD project confirms the South West has exciting potential for offshore renewables development over the next 20 years. At Supacat, we have been actively examining how we use our "hostile environment" engineering skills in this industry over the last year. We are now working on a project to develop a device in the wave sector and looking at a solution for improving access to offshore wind turbines."
Guy Madgwick, Managing Director of Eneco Wind UK and Chris Sherrington, Project Director of Eneco’s West of Isle of Wight Round 3 wind park said: "Eneco welcome the confirmation in the findings of the ORRAD report that the South West of England is an excellent location for marine renewable projects. As a new entrant to the UK market Eneco looks forward to working with businesses in the South West to develop the West of Wight Wind Park, contribute to the creation of skilled jobs in this fast growing sector and provide a local source of clean and secure energy"
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