Britain's Energy Coast, Cumbria

In Cumbria we are harnessing the power of environment and the strength of our world-class skills base to build a greener future for the nation and a more prosperous economy for businesses and communities, writes Luke Dicicco.

The ambitious Britain's Energy Coast^TM regeneration initiative has a simple goal with global and local issues at its heart. By establishing Furness and West Cumbria as a major generator of low carbon and renewable energy we can make a significant contribution towards Britain's energy needs. Establishing a local economy based around energy has potential to unlock £100bn worth of investment, providing new and exciting opportunities for businesses and inward investors and vastly improving the economic and social prospects of local communities.

The Energy Coast initiative was a direct response to the decommissioning of the Sellafield site, home of the world's first civil nuclear power station. Although this huge and challenging task represented a multi-billion investment in the region, a vision was needed to prepare for the long-term impact of the winding down, in particular on its 10,000 employees and the scores of businesses involved in its supply chain, which itself supports a further 2,000 jobs. The answer lay in capitalising on Britain's nuclear renaissance and diversifying into renewable energy - reflecting the national wish for an "energy mix".

Public sector partners led by urban regeneration company West Lakes Renaissance (now operating as Barrow Regeneration and Britain's Energy Coast West Cumbria), prepared a nomination for nuclear new build on a site adjacent to Sellafield. The land has since been purchased by a consortium comprising Iberdrola, GDF SUEZ and Scottish & Southern Energy, and they aim to begin construction in 2015, subject to stringent public scrutiny and planning approval. Partners continue to work closely with the consortium and also on the upgrading of Cumbria's connection to the National Grid - vitally important to achieving both new build and renewable energy schemes.

Wind

Britain already generates more energy from offshore wind than anywhere else in the EU and Cumbria continues to make a sizeable contribution. Cumbria's shallow coastline, engineering prowess and proven ability to support the delivery of major schemes makes the area ripe for continued growth and investment. EON's Robin Rigg offshore windfarm in the Solway Firth, north west Cumbria, is now fully operational with 60 turbines generating 180MW of energy. The nearby Port of Workington, which has seen millions of pounds worth of investment over the past few years, was key to its construction and will be important to its ongoing maintenance.

Further south off the coast of Barrow-in-Furness, Danish company Dong in partnership with Scottish and Southern Energy has begun erecting its £1.2 billion 102 turbine Walney Wind Farm; which will produce 1.5GW of energy and support scores of local jobs, not just during construction but also through servicing from a base in the town. Another mega scheme Morecambe Wind will see 150 turbines erected west of Duddon Sands by Scottish Power Renewables, Dong and Eurus Energy. More will appear after Centrica recently won the rights to develop offshore windfarms in the Crown Estates-owned areas of the Irish Sea. This is in addition to the many varying sized onshore windfarms along Cumbria's coast. The focus for Energy Coast partners is lobbying Government and businesses to bring turbine manufacture here.

Tidal

Major tidal schemes are also being progressed in Cumbria, unsurprising given the Solway Firth and Morecambe Bay are second and third respectively to the Severn Estuary for energy potential. The Solway Energy Gateway tidal project could produce up to 6GW and the Bridge Across the Bay 3GW, and at the same time provide economy boosting transport links with Scotland and Lancashire. A feasibility study is also underway for a potential tidal and transport project across the Duddon Estuary between Barrow and Millom. However, such schemes require huge amounts of financial investment and will be subject to high levels of scrutiny given the potential environmental impact. This is why those behind the schemes are considering several options of variable size.

The Energy Coast has also seen the emergence of other renewable technologies. A waste wood biomass power station will be built on Barrow Docks and energy from waste schemes will be developed over the coming years. Work is set to start on a new Anaerobic Digestion plant in Silloth over the coming months, with several other plants in the pipeline - unsurprising given Cumbria is home to more than 500,000 head of cattle and two million chickens. Clusters of small but nationally important businesses involved in hydro, solar and geothermal energy generation have begun to emerge across Cumbria, holding the promise of more energy developments, business and employment opportunities as the respective markets grow.

The Scope for Renewable Energy in Cumbria by former Government energy adviser Sir Martin Holdgate, estimates Cumbria could meet a third of its energy needs from renewables by 2020, and by 2050 could have 5.5GW of installed capacity; meeting the needs of 300,000 people and supporting around 7,000 jobs. The majority of this energy and employment will be generated along Britain's Energy Coast^TM.

By coining the phrase Britain's Energy Coast, public sector partners in Cumbria have signalled their intention to take a position on the national and international stage when it comes to the future of energy. A pioneering spirit and boundless confidence is woven in the fabric of our businesses and communities. Now is the time to join us on this exciting journey.

Luke Dicicco is communications manager of Britain's Energy Coast and Cumbria Vision