MARINE ENERGY
A NEW INDUSTRY IN THE MAKING
MARINE ENERGY
GRASPING THE OPPORTUNITY
We live in a world facing the
twin challenges of mitigating
climate change and ensuring
energy security, with the
consequence that the energy
industry must change at a
rate we have not seen for
many decades. Making use
of marine renewable energy
is a fundamental part of our
response to these challenges
and that response must involve
the private and public sectors
working coherently together.
Kelvyn Derrick OBE
Deputy Chairman, South West RDA
Chairman, Regen SW
South West England has some of the
world’s best and most diverse natural
marine energy resources - from wave
energy in the western approaches to
one of the world’s largest tidal ranges
in the Bristol Channel. We intend
to capture these resources, and in
doing so, we aim to be at the centre
of the burgeoning global marine
energy industry. The region is already
home to many businesses that are
leaders in all aspects of marine
renewable energy.
Our zest to be at the forefront of this
industry is backed by a commitment
from the public sector. The South
West RDA (Regional Development
Agency), who lead the development
of a sustainable economy, and
Regen SW (the region’s sustainable
energy agency) are working closely
with industry, universities and other
research institutions to ensure we
have the right skills, knowledge and
infrastructure to meet the industry’s
developing needs.
This prospectus sets out the region’s
key attributes and our commitment
to developing the marine energy
industry. A major new industry such
as this rarely emerges in our lifetimes
and we are privileged to be a part of
it. As well as challenges, there are
significant opportunities and those
opportunities we intend to grasp in
South West England.
South West RDA is already working
hard to develop a low-carbon
economy with more than £70 million
of investment planned between 2008
and 2012. Much of this is focused on
marine energy. We have also recently
created an Offshore Renewable
Energy Industry Forum, which will
help direct our thinking and decide
where we invest.
[email protected]
1
RESOURCE RICH
A POOL OF KNOWLEDGE AND INVESTMENT
South West England has
it all: excellent wave, tidal
and offshore wind energy
resources with the potential
to make a significant
contribution to the UK’s future
energy requirements.
Big Waves
The peninsula of South West
England juts into the Atlantic and
faces the prevailing westerly oceanic
swell. These long swells pack an
enormous amount of energy – with
a typical range of 15-25kw/m
(kilowatts per metre of wave face)
in the area around Wave Hub off
the north Cornish coast, increasing
to 35-40kw/m in the area around
the Isles of Scilly. While the waves
are powerful, South West England
benefits from less extreme storm
conditions that would challenge the
“survivability” of the devices. This
is especially important in the early
stages of their development.
Big Tides
At 14 metres the Severn Estuary
boasts the second highest tidal range
in the world. This creates a massive
energy resource with the potential to
generate up to 5 per cent of the UK’s
electricity demand. The region also
has a number of areas where tidal
2
[email protected]
streams could be exploited, including
the Bristol Channel, around Portland
Bill, the Isles of Scilly and the nearby
Channel Islands.
Creating a new industry needs
the best minds at work, which
can then make ideas become
commercial reality.
Building on our strengths
A concentration of marine science
expertise already exists within South
West England’s universities and
other marine science organisations.
Plymouth in particular is home to
organisations such as the Plymouth
Marine Laboratory, the Sir Alistair
Hardy Foundation, the Marine
Biological Organisation and the
National Marine Aquarium. As part
of the Marine Sciences Partnership,
these organisations are global leaders
in their fields.
South West England is fortunate to
have a strong 400kV national grid
that runs broadly along north and
south coasts, with good 33kV near
shore connections in a number of
locations. The region is therefore
well placed to support both the wave
and tidal energy industry in its early
commercial phases.
Future Proofed
The South West RDA is working
closely with Government to ensure
the region’s grid infrastructure
can continue to tap into marine
renewable energy in the long-term.
We are also working hard to plan for
a Strategic Environment Assessment
(SEA) for marine renewable energy
off the region’s coast. The aim is to
have this in place by late 2010. The
SEA will mark a significant milestone
in the evolution of marine energy,
from research and development
phase to full commercialisation.
Wave Measurement
PRIMaRE
Building on these foundations,
the South West RDA has helped
create a new marine renewable
energy institute called PRIMaRE,
a partnership between Exeter
and Plymouth Universities. The
multi-million pound investment
from the South West RDA and
EU programmes has enabled the
institute to build a world-beating
team of academics with access to
over 60 researchers and up to £6
million of new research equipment.
Operating from the Combined
Universities of Cornwall, Plymouth
and Exeter, PRIMaRE is already
working with leading marine energy
device developers and is rapidly
developing a worldwide reputation.
Our goal is to convert this growing
pool of knowledge into commercial
activity. Our plans to invest
£70 million into the low-carbon
economy include a doubling of
funding (and more flexibility) for
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships,
proof of concept and research
& development funding, and a
‘knowledge escalator’ programme
that helps take businesses from an
early stage into maturity.
“With the establishment of
PRIMaRE and the imminent
installation of Wave Hub,
South West England is poised
for an explosion of activity in
marine renewable energy.”
Julian Wolfram
Chair
PRIMaRE
We are also focused on education,
producing the skilled people who will
fuel this new industry. South West
England was the first UK region to
have a dedicated renewable energy
undergraduate programme and new
postgraduate marine energy-related
courses are being launched in 2009.
Marine energy businesses seeking
to develop their product need look
no further than South West England.
Here you will find the research, the
expertise, the talent and the business
support to take your ideas forward.
[email protected]
3
WAVE ENERGY
WAVE HUB AND BEYOND
Exposed to the Atlantic Ocean, the
South West England peninsula has
a massive opportunity to use waves
as a source of energy in the future.
The combination of this resource, the
development of Wave Hub, immediate
grid capacity and an available skilled
marine workforce firmly place South
West England at the centre of wave
energy development.
Due to be installed in 2010, Wave
Hub will allow wave energy device
developers to test their machines in
arrays on a scale not possible today.
Situated 10 miles off the Cornish
coast in 50 metres of water, the site
will provide real environment test
conditions offshore and complement
the existing facilities at NaREC and
EMEC. With four 2km by 1km
berths, each developer will be able
to generate up to 5MW of power.
The site is consented for 20MW of
generation and will operate at 11kV,
although the cable is being specified
to allow operation at 33kV, enabling
the project to be scaled up to 50MW
in future.
Cornwall-based Mojo Maritime deploying
OPT Wave Energy Converter
4
[email protected]
TIDAL ENERGY
ENGINEERING THE FUTURE
The Wave Hub investment is the
launching pad in our ambitious
programme to create a new wave
energy industry. A wave energy
study has identified the issues
surrounding commercial wave
energy development in South West
England’s waters. The initial work
needed to complete a Strategic
Environmental Assessment is
underway and projects such as
Finding Sanctuary are providing
the core data needed to prepare
a marine spatial plan. South West
England will continue its dialogue
with central Government to ensure
the electrical grid network meets the
needs of offshore developments in
the longer term. Plans to ensure our
port and engineering infrastructure
are suitable for the industry’s
requirements are also in hand.
“Wave Hub will be a key
element in the development of
wave energy. The combination
of the resource, skills and
infrastructure make South
West England a key focus
for us in future, and we look
forward to being part of this
exciting project.”
South West England has significant
areas of tidal streams around key
headlands and, shared with Wales,
we have the mighty Severn Estuary.
With the second highest tidal range
in the world at 14 metres, the estuary
represents a huge and currently
untapped renewable energy resource.
The Severn is currently the subject
of a major cross-Government
study, which will assess whether
Government could support a Severn
tidal power scheme and, if so, on
what terms. The shortlisted options
include barrages and lagoons, not
all of which are mutually exclusive.
Generating capacities range from
625MW to a massive 8.6GW,
representing up to 5 per cent of
the UK’s electricity demand. The
next step in the study will look at
the options in detail with a view
to making recommendations to
ministers in 2010.
Mark Draper
CEO
OPT Inc
Bristol-based MCT’s SeaGen device
Whilst the study is now focusing
on established tidal range options
for the Severn, more embryonic
technologies also have a significant
role to play, perhaps in the Severn
and certainly elsewhere. The Severn
Embryonic Technologies Scheme
(SETS) was launched in April 2009
and will provide £500k of public
funds to enable the more innovative
concepts proposed for the Severn to
be developed further.
Two of the world’s leading tidal
stream technology companies,
Marine Current Turbines (MCT) and
Tidal Generation, are based in the
region. MCT installed their 300kW
prototype device in the Bristol
Channel in 2003, followed by the
world’s first full-scale, grid-connected
device in Strangford Lough. A
number of other early stage device
developers are located in South West
England, as well as leading support
functions, such as R&D expertise
and consultancies typified by Garrad
Hassan and IT Power.
“We originally relocated here
primarily to take advantage of
the fact that hi-tech industries
around Bristol provide some
of the best opportunities for
us to recruit experienced
engineers. The challenges of
our technically advanced R&D
programme demand highly
competent staff. We also find
the excellent road, rail and air
connections to be essential for
a business which depends on a
widespread and complex supply
chain and where our staff need
to travel a great deal.”
Martin Wright
Managing Director
Marine Current Turbines
This combination of rich resources,
engineering vision and an innovative
culture make South West England
an ideal place to develop tidal
energy businesses and harness the
immense power in our tides.
[email protected]
5
MARINE RENEWABLE ENERGY
IN SOUTH WEST ENGLAND
Map of the UK
South West England
Tidal Resources
Scale: 50 km
Wave Hub
Isles of Scilly
A selection of organisations active in the region
<
6
[email protected]
For illustrative purposes only
PORTS, PLACES AND PEOPLE Combined with a strong
maritime and advanced
engineering heritage, South
West England has the
infrastructure, talent and
locations needed by the
marine energy industry
as it grows.
The South West RDA has created a
number of innovation centres across
the region, based near universities
to encourage collaborative
working between researchers and
businesses. For the burgeoning
marine renewables industry this
support is vital: existing companies
in the sector can benefit from the
expertise available at PRIMaRE,
other South West universities and
marine science organisations,
providing a highly attractive
proposition for those considering
relocating to South West England.
Falmouth
8
[email protected]
AROUND SOUTH WEST ENGLAND
Recognising the region’s strengths
in the marine sector, the South West
RDA has identified the importance of
nurturing a new generation of skilled
employees. The hi-tech industries
in the Bristol area have long been
a magnet for talented engineers.
Further west, capitalising on the
traditional marine engineering skills
and the development of knowledge
through PRIMaRE, this new
industry has unparalleled access to
innovative, highly skilled people.
Any business involving wave, tidal or
wind energy projects will need coastal
access and a port infrastructure that
allows devices to be assembled,
transported or deployed locally. South
West England has major port facilities
at Bristol, Falmouth, Plymouth and
Portland, with a large number of
smaller ports dotted around our
700-mile coastline.
Blessed with traditional engineering
and cutting-edge technology skills,
a talented workforce, combined
with a diverse, accessible and
adaptable port infrastructure, South
West England is ready to meet
the challenge of the future marine
energy industry.
“South West England is
a great place to live and
to work. There is an evergrowing cluster of renewables
businesses and increasing
encouragement and support
from local authorities,
agencies and academia. We
feel part of a community that
is working together to both
‘green’ the region and spread
its wings across the world.”
Colin Palmer
Director & co-founder
Wind Prospect
The north of the region has
a concentration of advanced
engineering and aerospace
businesses alongside the thriving
commercial centre of Bristol. The
city is also home to one of the world’s
most productive and technically
advanced ports. Access via a deep
water channel, the port is a gateway
container port for the UK and a
transhipment point for the Atlantic
seaboard and Europe. With its
excellent rail and road links, the port
plans to expand its facilities with a
new deep sea container terminal in
the Bristol Channel.
On the south coast Portland is the
UK’s newest commercial port but
has more than one hundred years
of history as a naval dockyard. It will
serve as the base for 2012 Olympic
sailing events, thanks to extensive
work by the South West RDA and its
partners. The port lies within easy
reach of Round 3 offshore wind sites
and the tidal resources off Portland
Bill and the English Channel. With
the release of up to 13 hectares
of development land covered by
a Harbour Revision Order, it has
significant potential for marine
energy use.
“The grant for R&D from the
South West RDA enabled us
to develop our concept. We
have also benefited from the
services of Bristol University’s
business incubator
(SETsquared) and are involved
in three PhD projects running
with universities in the region.”
Tania Lake
Finance Director
Tidal Generation
Bristol is also home to two of the
leading tidal device developers and a
number of world-recognised marine
energy-related professional service
organisations, and is therefore
already establishing itself as a marine
energy centre. SPark - the new £300
million Bristol and Bath Science Park
- will provide dedicated space for
science and technology businesses.
Tidal Generation’s full-scale model
being tested in Plymouth Sound
[email protected]
9
AROUND SOUTH WEST ENGLAND
Further west, Plymouth’s history as
an operating base for the Royal Navy
has led to it becoming a significant
centre for naval engineering skills,
relating to the repair and operation of
conventional military ships. Recent
proposals to create a marine science
and technology cluster in Plymouth
will enhance its position as a leading
location for developing the marine
renewable energy sector.
Plymouth Sound, one of Europe’s
largest natural harbours, is
home to Millbay Docks as well
as Devonport Royal Dockyard.
Significant opportunities for industrial
development are likely to arise as
a result of the MoD rationalising
its Devonport estate, with up to 80
hectares to be released in the near
future. The Plymouth science park
provides an ideal location for marine
energy-related businesses, whilst
nearby Exeter boasts an innovation
centre for businesses on the
university campus.
Cable Landing
Falmouth Divers
10
[email protected]
SUPPLYING THE WORLD
Further west there is access to
marine engineering skills and
knowledge via the Combined
Universities in Cornwall (where
significant numbers of PRIMaRE
staff are based), Falmouth Marine
School and a Marine Skills Centre.
Innovation centres are being
developed at Falmouth and Pool.
Falmouth is also home to renowned
ship engineering facilities, built on
a long and proud tradition of ship
repair, conversion and extensive
quayside operations. This deep
water port is ideally located to
access the wave energy potential of
the western approaches.
Geotechnical investigation and wind
farm construction, marine construction
for ports and harbours, drilled piling
and socketing and marine pipeline
installation are all skills familiar to the
area. Work is underway to consider
whether enhancements are needed at
Falmouth to service Wave Hub and the
developing marine renewables industry.
“We are developing
expertise in the region in
the deployment of offshore
energy technology, and
are already engaged in a
number of projects across the
UK and Europe. Falmouth
has become something of
a hub for offshore marine
companies and with Wave
Hub on the horizon this is an
exciting time.”
Captain Richard Parkinson
Managing Director
Mojo Maritime
The UK is at the forefront of
developing marine energy technology.
Our businesses, universities and
research institutions are leading the
way, and we now have the opportunity
to make the UK a springboard for
a new and exciting global energy
industry. South West England intends
to play its part to support the growth
of this industry, and to enable marine
renewables to take the critical steps
towards full commercialisation.
South West England has some of the
world’s leading wave and tidal device
developers based in the region. We
also have very strong maritime and
engineering capabilities to support the
development of the sector, especially
around our hub ports at Bristol,
Falmouth, Plymouth and Portland.
Whether it’s installing wave devices
off the Iberian peninsula, tidal stream
technology in Strangford Lough or
a new offshore wind turbine in the
North Sea, South West businesses are
at the forefront, providing the skills
and expertise needed to operate in
the harshest environments.
South West England also hosts
a range of marine energy and
environmental consultancies,
engineering companies, technology
providers and research organisations.
These innovative companies, strongly
linked to the region’s universities,
are working to create the knowledge
base for this new industry. It is this
knowledge that will ultimately provide
the platform to drive the UK marine
sector forward and enable the UK
to lead the way in the global marine
energy industry.
“Wave and tidal energy is
a vital part of the future
energy mix and, with the
market evolving so rapidly, an
extremely exciting place to
be, particularly with so many
active players on our doorstep
in South West England.”
Andrew Garrad
Managing Director
Garrad Hassan
There are significant commercial
benefits to developing the marine
energy industry, including the supply
chain. It has been estimated that up
to 3,000MW of marine energy could
be deployed in the UK by 2020.
Estimates of global market size vary
from £60 billion to a massive £190
billion per year. The South West RDA
is working with RegenSW and our
business partners to ensure the region
makes the most of this potential.
MCT’s SeaGen Tidal Stream Device in
Strangford Lough
[email protected]
11
SOUTH WEST ENGLAND
THE PLACE TO BE FOR BUSINESS
South West England has a
unique combination of resources,
knowledge, infrastructure and
support for businesses that provide
an ideal environment for the
development of a world-class marine
energy sector. This is matched by our
financial commitment to developing
the sector with a planned £70 million
low-carbon programme between
2008 and 2012.
Our marine energy resources are
among the best in the world. We
are actively working to accelerate
the use of these natural resources
through ground-breaking initiatives
such as the Wave Hub and Severn
Tidal Power projects. And we also
have access to another, altogether
different, type of resource:
knowledge. Recognising it as a
key component of the sector’s
success, we are investing heavily
in supporting new research, and
encouraging direct links with the
business community.
12
We have a dynamic business
base, boasting both the lowest
unemployment rate and the highest
business survival rate in Britain.
We can draw on a highly skilled
workforce with approximately 30 per
cent of the population educated to
degree standard or above.
To realise our aspirations for marine
energy over the coming years, a
comprehensive range of support and
funding is available. This includes
grants to help businesses make
capital investments and to undertake
research and development, in
addition to assistance for innovation.
Easy access to knowledge and
nearby business premises are also a
significant part of what South West
England can offer.
The region is, then, a winning choice
for marine renewable businesses
wanting to be among like-minded
people. But it’s not just about
business. Our coastline, beautiful
environment and professional and
innovative culture make the region a
wonderful place to live and work.
When it comes to marine renewable
energy - South West England truly is
the place to be.
[email protected]
“South West England is
a great environment for
developing a marine energy
business. The local marine
traditions, coupled with the
breadth of skills and the
depth of research that is being
undertaken in universities,
means that all the ingredients
are in place for the future
success of the sector.”
Chris Bale
CEO
Ocean Electric Power
If you’d like more information about investing in the
South West go to:
www.southwestengland.com
For more information on all publically-funded support available
for businesses in the South West visit:
www.southwestrda.org.uk/sfb
This document has been printed on Revive Uncoated, 100% recycled from
80% de-inked post-consumer waste and 20% mill broke.
All papers are elemental chlorine free.
B-040901
Our thanks to the following companies for the use of imagery:
Falmouth Divers, Marine Current Turbines, Mojo Maritime
Ocean Power Technologies, PRIMaRE, Tidal Generation Ltd
For more information contact [email protected]