South West set to benefit from renewable marine energy
Share
The marine renewables sector will generate more than 5,750 new jobs and inject an estimated £4.8bn into the South West economy from 2015 onwards, according to a new report.
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 9,220MW 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 more than 5,000 people involved by 2030. The industry will represent around 0.20 per cent 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 per cent).
The £4.8bn boost to the economy will come predominantly from offshore wind technology being deployed, but wave and tidal technologies also make substantial contributions.
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.’
Readers' comments (6)
J. Clay | 5 Jan 2011 2:42 pm
Much as I am pleased the investment is going in and creating employment, is it not the case that wind power has only generated ten percent of the governments projected output so far?
If this is correct wouldn't the investment be better going into other alternative energy generation.
Unsuitable or offensive? Report this comment
Anonymous | 5 Jan 2011 2:43 pm
So what is the purpose of this report and how much did it cost SW taxpayers? To whom is it addressed and will there be any return to tax papers on its cost or is it just another weighty tomb to rest on the bookshelves of numerous quangos?
Unsuitable or offensive? Report this comment
T W | 5 Jan 2011 5:37 pm
Why does everyone think in such a negative way? Facts and figures need to be prepared whatever the project right down to small jobs at home. One must view the prosperity and wealth that any such project develops. The longer term view surely out ways costs that have not been noticed. What is more important is what form and where are the marine activities going to be. And how soon can they be expected.
Unsuitable or offensive? Report this comment
V B Srivastava | 6 Jan 2011 4:32 am
very good topic. May I know the technical details of the renewable marine energy technology?
What will be the cost of power generation?
Unsuitable or offensive? Report this comment
Anonymous | 6 Jan 2011 3:26 pm
The Definition of South West is a bit vague, but tourism is also important to the economy. Visually destroying the coastline with substations, cable and the generating installations themselves, is likely to have a greater impact than the promised gain.
If it’s going to employ 5000 people for maintenance, I guess the users of the power will be paying heavily for the power they use.
Unsuitable or offensive? Report this comment
Rod Fox | 6 Jan 2011 3:50 pm
I am reminded about that simple term - KISS (Keep it simple stupid). Whilst arguments continue about the validity of wind power the tides go in and out regardless. Harnessing this powerful, ongoing, clean energy source needs to be seriously addressed by the U.K. government, industry and backed by the financial world. We seem to have forgotten we are an island race and how we used to be the leading innovators in the world. If this doesn't provide us with an urgent wake up call given the increasing cost of energy coupled to the diminishing supplies of gas and hydrocarbons then we need our heads looking!
Unsuitable or offensive? Report this comment