Developers plan major new marine energy park in Devon

Developers behind the South West Marine Energy Park claim that the major wind, wave and tidal energy project will bring a large number of jobs to the South West region.

The marine energy park is being planned in Plymouth and the process of developing the site is to be a joint effort, involving several more traditional industries within the city. For example, the university, the city docks and the port are all having a say in the design, testing and building of the site.

From 2017, the new energy park could create as many as 5,000 jobs at the development, which is to include two windfarms off the Dorset coast. Vivien Pengelly, the city council leader, welcomed the plans: “The opportunity for growth and increased commercialisation in marine renewable energy, which underpins the ethos of the SWMEP, represents a major opportunity to help Plymouth's economy generate investment and jobs.”

Wind energy can offer a good source of power and heating for homes and businesses, but is sometimes unreliable when conditions are not just right. For homes that are off the grid, it is advisable that they fit an oil boiler to provide back-up heating. Heating oil is available to order locally from the OJ Williams depot in Plymouth.