South West England offshore renewables capacity seen to reach 9.2 GW by 2030

(ADPnews) - Oct 12, 2010 - Renewable energy projects off the South West coast of England have the potential to produce 9.2 GW of energy by 2030, a report released by South West Regional Development Agency (RDA) says.

The study that was ordered by RDA, provided by UK renewable energy consultancy PMSS, and announced on October 8, says also that offshore projects in the studied area can produce energy enough to power 5 million households.

The estimated 9.2 GW capacity in the report includes 1.2 GW of wave energy, 1.1 GW tidal stream energy, 4.4 GW offshore wind, and 2.5 GW deepwater floating wind farms energy within 50 km (31.3 miles) off the coast.

"There is even greater potential beyond 50 km offshore", says the report, adding that it depends on notable grid capacity increase and technological challenges.

The study excludes the tidal resources of the Severn Estuary -- the estuary of UK river Severn -- that are subject of a separate study provided by the UK government, RDA said.

The report recommends a licensing round to deliver wave projects, onshore grid improvements, resolution of possible conflicts with shipping, transfer of research, and knowledge regarding marine renewable technologies, to achieve the projected capacity.

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