Environmental technologies
European policy states that the UK must
achieve 15% of total energy generation (transport, electricity and
heat) from renewable sources by 2020. At present, only 1.5% of
energy is generated from renewable sources in this country.
Natural resources
The need to increase output tenfold is
creating fantastic opportunities within the UK and particularly in
the South West of England. This part of the UK has exceptional
natural resources which make it an ideal location for renewable
energy initiatives. The South West has one of the best wave and
tidal resources in Europe. It receives the highest levels of solar
radiation in the UK. In terms of biomass, the region has extensive
woodland resources and a favourable climate for growing trees. Sea
breezes from both the north and south coasts make the South West an
ideal location for wind power development - estimates put current
spare capacity at around 1000MW.
Renewable energy
The region has seized on these advantages and
is acknowledged as a pioneer in renewable energy. Already there are
150 renewable electricity schemes here. The South West is home to
the first wind farm in the UK, the first centralised anaerobic
digestion power station, the first commercial pyrolysis plant and
the first underwater tidal stream turbine in the world. Planning
permission was granted for the UK's first bioethanol plant in
Somerset being run by Green Spirit Fuels Ltd.
Marine energy research
This growing business base is complemented by
dynamic and forward-thinking academic institutions. Fifteen million
pounds was recently invested to create the PRIMaRE institute, a
collaboration between the universities of Exeter and Plymouth which
will provide multi-disciplinary expertise in marine energy
research, development and innovation.
Waste and recycling
There are considerable opportunities, too, in
the waste and recycling sector. UK government targets are for a 45%
reduction in municipal waste to landfill by the year 2010. This
country's recycling industry needs to double to £25 billion by 2018
to meet current EU targets for waste and within the South West,
this has led to excellent opportunities for companies involved in
biodegradable wastes and plastics. With only five years' landfill
capacity remaining in the region, there is considerable energy and
enthusiasm for innovative waste reduction initiatives.
Support
The South West of England was the first region in
the UK to set up a dedicated renewable energy agency. Regen SW
works to accelerate uptake of the region's considerable renewable
energy resources and champions initiatives to reduce energy demand.
Inward investment support is provided by the South West Regional
Development Agency's specialist Waste and Energy Teams which
advises on a range of issues including grants, site and property
selection, industry contacts, market intelligence, finding the
right staff and local opportunities.