Low carbon future
Devon is particularly well placed to build a low carbon future, one that is both prosperous and sustainable, delivering economic growth within environmental and social limits. Our transition to a green economy means reducing our emissions and environmental impact, whilst managing our consumption of natural resources. This will deliver real cost savings for our businesses, while reduced reliance on fossil fuels will help them become more resilient.
Devon has rich and diverse renewable energy resources:
- Wind power (onshore and offshore)
- Solar power (the south coast of Devon has some of the highest levels of insolation in the UK)
- Tidal energy
- Hydro-electric power
- Biomass and bio fuel
- Anaerobic digestion
The county is a leader in renewable energy provision in south west England and has the highest number of installed projects to date. This presents a huge opportunity to secure investment, create employment and support the growth of the green economy.
The planned offshore 1.5GW Atlantic Array wind farm, to be sited off North Devon, will act as a hub for the marine renewable sector and its supply chains.
In addition, Devon is home to highly regarded centres of international research including the Centre for Energy and the Environment at Exeter University, The Met Office and the International Centre of Excellence in Marine Science & Technology in Plymouth. Bicton College’s EaRTH Centre (due to open early 2012), South Devon College’s Energy Centre and Petroc all run a number of courses aimed at meeting the increasing need for environmental skills.
Together these organisations provide impressive resources for the development of a low carbon future.
You can be reassured that Devon is 100 per cent behind the ‘green agenda’. As well as supporting and engaging with many established green projects and businesses, organisations such as the Devon Environmental Business Initiative (DEBI), exist to encourage and support the take up of environmentally friendly organisations and business practices.
The planned multi-million pound investment in super-fast broadband across Devon will benefit thousands of companies by increasing efficiency, productivity and reducing the need to travel. Click here for further information.
Devon’s well-established network of green business support organisations includes:
- Climate South West
- DEBI – Devon Environmental Business Initiative
- Energy Action Devon
- Regen South West
- Transition Towns Network
