http://www.nwda.co.uk/pdf/Tidal%20Brochure

TIDAL ENERGY IN ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST

ONEOFEUROPE’S TOP TIDAL ENERGY OPPORTUNITIES

Cover image: the Mersey estuary.

Supplied by Stuart Royse Photography.

KEY STRENGTHS OF ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST

650 miles of coastline

Home to Solway and Mersey – two of the biggest tidal proposals

Several estuaries with vast potential

Global centre for tidal stream research

Regional engineering firms at the forefront

Natural energy England’s Northwest offers one of the world’s best opportunities for tidal energy, as well as one of the UK’s best sources for meeting its 2020 objectives

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THE POTENTIAL TO GENERATE 50% OF THE REGION’S ELECTRICITY NEEDS FROM TIDAL ENERGY ALONE

taking into account energy generation, environmental impact and cost viability. The region is in a strong position to become an international pioneer when it comes to tidal power.

Due to the Northwest’s coastal location, its universities and research institutes have a long heritage in marine technology, which has now developed into a worldwide reputation in tidal research and knowledge.

This research includes the work currently underway by the University of Manchester into tidal stream power for major global companies, including EDF Energy, using its unique on-site wave flume. The university, along with Lancaster and Liverpool universities, is supported by the Joule Centre for Energy Research and Development, which puts renewables at the heart of our future.

The region is also exploiting its engineering skills, with a network of innovative companies diversifying to design and build for some of the latest turbine technology. Such companies are at the forefront of a relatively new industry.

This publication looks at some of the tidal energy schemes being assessed and the future technologies being investigated across the region by some of the world’s biggest energy companies, with the support of the public sector and leading academic institutions.

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When it comes to renewable energy potential, England’s Northwest is one of the leaders in Europe. In terms of tidal energy, few European regions come close to the natural environment, tidal ranges and estuary make-up.

The region is identified as one of the main locations for the UK government, as part of a target to generate more than 30% of electricity from renewables by 2020, up from 5.5% today. Much of this will come from wind power, on and offshore, but biomass, hydro, wave and tidal will also play an important role. It’s easy to understand why the region has such a rich opportunity when you look at the geography; 650 miles of coastline; the Irish Sea’s shallow sloping shores of between 5m and 30m in depth; and a variety of estuaries with high tidal ranges and the potential to generate 50% of the region’s energy needs from tidal energy alone.

The coastline stretches from the Solway Firth in the north, to the Dee estuary in the south, sandwiched by a coast which includes Morecambe Bay, the Wyre, Ribble and the Mersey.

Significantly, the region is already making headway, having launched feasibility studies on two major projects; Power from the Mersey and the Solway Energy Gateway.

Several technologies are being considered, from tidal stream to tidal range as well as some emerging technologies,

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WORKINGTON CUMBRIA

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LANCASHIRE RIBBLE

MANCHESTER MERSEY

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City Airport Port

The Mersey estuary: at the heart of the government’s 2020 vision. Image supplied by Peel Ports.

Map source: Ordnance Survey Crown Copyright 2009 All Rights Reserved GD021102

Beyond reasonable doubt Climate change and the rising demand for energy across the developing world has encouraged planners to look beyond fossil fuels and towards tidal Climate change is probably the most serious issue facing governments and organisations across the world.

Global warming is now accelerating at an alarming rate.

Since records first began in 1850, the world has had 11 of the 12 warmest years from 1995 to 2006.

The rise in sea levels is consistent with global warming.

On closer analysis, recent comparisons emphasise the scale of the problems and the increasing speed of the rise. Since 1961, average sea levels have increased by 1.8mm, and yet if we look closer, since 1993 rises have been 3.1mm a year.

On a regional level, if climate change continues at the current pace, the Environment Agency predicts that by 2080 the Northwest will see a temperature rise of between 1 and 5 degrees C, winter rainfall up by 30% and summer rainfall down by 50%, with sea levels up by 67cm.

The need for renewable energy The world’s reliance on fossil fuels has to come to an end.

Estimates vary, but many reports suggest that the supply of oil may end within 40 years, with gas in 60 and coal in 100 years. Fatih Birol, chief economist of the International Energy Agency, predicts that global oil production will peak by 2020 – earlier than anticipated.

Birol warns that if demand remained steady, the world would have to find the equivalent of four Saudi Arabias (in terms of oil capacity and production) to maintain the oil production required, and six Saudi Arabias to keep up with expected demand between now and 2030.

Professor Richard Burrows of the University of Liverpool, the principal on Tidal Power Potential of the Eastern Irish Sea, emphasises the size of the problem: “We are in a situation that within three generations there may be no more oil or gas, so how will human life operate? The infrastructure of how we live our lives depends on it.”

The reality is that if the major tidal projects being discussed in the Northwest were to go ahead it could involve investments of up to £20 billion – to prepare for the future.

“You have to consider major capital investments like our water supply systems and railways, drains and sewerage systems. We have benefited for 100 years from the investment that the Victorians made. We need to make similar investments in essential utility infrastructure now for the future of our children and grandchildren,” says Professor Burrows.

100%

the potential electricity which could be generated from tidal energy worldwide

3%

the tidal power located in accessible areas Source: World Offshore Renewable Energy Report 2002–2007

‘‘WE ARE IN A SITUATION THAT WITHIN THREE GENERATIONS THERE MAY BE NO MORE OIL OR GAS,SO HOW WILL HUMAN LIFE OPERATE? THE INFRASTRUCTURE OF HOW WE LIVE OUR LIVES DEPENDS ON IT.’’ Professor Richard Burrows, University of Liverpool

48%

the UK’s share of tidal energy resource in the EU Source: World Offshore Renewable Energy Report 2002–2007

20%

the percentage of the UK’s electricity demand that could be generated from tidal sources

Gateway to energy The Solway Firth has enthusiastic cross-border support to create one of the most effective sources of renewable energy in Europe The Solway Firth is the second most powerful estuary in the UK after the Severn and one of the most powerful in Europe.

Research by the University of Liverpool indicates that the inner estuary could generate 250-300MW of energy, sufficient to power 100,000s of homes.

Located at the border of Scotland and England, studies have highlighted the firth’s tidal energy potential since the 1960s. This is why the Solway Energy Gateway proposal is one of the most exciting tidal energy schemes to emerge.

It brings together the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), Scottish Enterprise and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, demonstrating the political will and public sector support which exists to make this happen by 2020.

A feasibility study, funded by the three bodies, is currently underway reviewing the various tidal range and tidal stream options available. A proposal may use a point at inner Solway, running between Bowness and Annan, as this is the location of a previous viaduct crossing. The firth is one mile at this point, but widening at either side making the flow more concentrated.

The Solway is in the enviable position of being in close proximity to the national grid, with a major connection at the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority’s decommissioned site at Chapelcross Power Station.

A scheme could have the capacity to provide electricity for the entire local area and help the government meet its targets. However, several other considerations have to be taken into account. The study will also assess the impact on the environment and habitat. The Solway is a rich and unique landscape, with some of the highest protection ratings including Special Protected Area status and Site of Special Scientific Interest. Any scheme must address the environmental issues, minimising damage.

It is also important that the chosen tidal project is a driver for regeneration, creating jobs and attracting inward investment to the area. A scheme of this scale should involve significant infrastructure benefits. Once again, the study will assess the impact, and how such capital developments will assist south west Scotland and northern Cumbria’s strategic vision to grow tourism.

Nigel Catterson, chairman of Cumbrian social enterprise company NB21C which is promoting the proposal, says: “We are trying to prove the case for sustainable communities.

There is a tremendous opportunity – we are looking at some form of community ownership model, where the local community gets maximum benefit and investors are also satisfied,” adding: “We are aspiring to balance human needs with those of nature. The aim is not only to conserve what already exists but also find ways of enhancing it.”

Solway criteria – – – – – – –

Renewable energy generation Economic development impact Immediate employment opportunities Flood defence Freshwater storage and extraction potential Tourism opportunity Improved connectivity

Potential timescales June–November 2009 – Technical feasibility study 2010 – 2013 – Full feasibility study, assessing technology, developers and funding 2013 – 2014 – Planning approval 2014 – 2016 – Project build 2016 – 2020 – Commissioning of project

Solway Firth. Image supplied by Alan Cairns, Leader Plus and Scottish Natural Heritage.

Making the Mersey work The Mersey has the potential to be a flagship for renewable energy, not only in England’s Northwest but in Europe and across the world The Mersey estuary has one of the largest tidal ranges in the UK, making it one of the best locations for a tidal power generation scheme. It has the potential to make a significant contribution to the government’s target to secure 15% of UK energy from renewable sources by 2020. A large scheme could deliver enough renewable electricity to meet the needs of a significant proportion of the homes within the Liverpool City Region. Any scheme put forward will need to take into account the ecological diversity of the estuary, which supports internationally important bird habitats.

Any visitor to the estuary can quite literally see the strength of tide in the Mersey. The tidal power comes from the waters arriving from the northwest, between Northern Ireland and Scotland, and from the south west, around Anglesey. The tides meet, building momentum before flowing eastward into Liverpool Bay and into the estuary, creating two high and two low tides daily.

The proposal has already made significant progress. Peel Energy, in partnership with the NWDA and the Mersey Basin Campaign, recently completed a pre-feasibility study Power from the Mersey, to consider the constraints and technology options. The project is now progressing with the aim of identifying a preferred scheme and taking it to a planning application by 2012 with a target date for completion of construction and operational commencement of 2020.

The next step of the journey is a comprehensive feasibility study, supported by Peel Energy and the NWDA. An experienced consulting team has been appointed, led by Scott Wilson, EDF Energy and Drivers Jonas, and supported

by RSK, APEM, HR Wallingford, Regeneris, Turner & Townsend, University of Liverpool and a number of other advisors. These specialists range from engineers and power experts to environment consultants, hydrodynamic experts, cost and regeneration consultants.

“What we are looking at is an ambitious and achievable target. We have a team in place, but we need to keep the

process moving,” says Anthony Hatton, director of Peel Energy.

The Mersey project is large in scale, with a mean tidal range of 6.5m and a potential basin of 61km2. It is also large in terms of cost, with budget estimates of up to £2 billion, for construction of one of the larger schemes.

The potential schemes vary from well known tidal range schemes, including barrages or lagoons, to a variety of proposals using tidal stream turbines, as well as innovative ideas such as tidal gates and tidal fences that are at varying stages of technological development and testing. Although, as Hatton explains: “all options will be considered through an assessment and selection process to the point where we have identified a preferred scheme.”

In order to decide upon the most appropriate proposal for the Mersey, the team will have to consider the tidal flow and depth, but also some other fundamentals relevant to the Mersey; the impact on birdlife, as 6,500 acres of the Mersey is designated as a Special Protected Area, with much of the estuary named as one of four Sites of Special Scientific Interest; commercial shipping – and the passing of vessels through the Mersey, particularly if any form of obstacle is to be built; and local communities who live beside the estuary and river. The engineering assessments will investigate the various technologies and their suitability to the Mersey, while a cost analysis will review commercial viability comparing the energy generated against the capital costs.

“Tidal schemes can play an important part of the energy mix,” says Hatton, “but just as with any development we need to ensure we are doing something that has acceptable impacts on the environment, as well as existing businesses and communities.”

“Through this project we have a great opportunity to develop innovative ideas and build on the research knowledge of Liverpool, Manchester and Lancaster Universities and the continuing work of Envirolink Northwest – the sector development organisation.”

An example of technology: a tidal fence proposed for the Severn by a consortium including IT Power. Image supplied by Pulse Tidal.

Tidal options A number of technology options have been considered to generate electricity from the tide.

The following scheme options were assessed in the pre-feasibility study Power from the Mersey, 2007. These options will be analysed further in the current detailed study as part of the process to identify a preferred scheme.

Tidal Lagoon (Zone 1) A circular lagoon sitting off the northern coast of Wirral, 7km in diameter, could include approximately 120 turbines with blades of 3.2m diameter.

Rated power: 350MW

Central Reservation (Zone 2) A series of open stream turbines located within a central reservation with the highest flow velocities. It could be 120m wide and1.5km long with 100 tidal stream turbines of 10 rows of 10.

Rated power: 20MW

Tidal Fence (Zone 2) Vertical axis turbines housed in submerged cells built across the estuary. The restriction to flow created by the fence would accelerate water flow through the turbines.

Rated power: 35MW

Constrained Channel (Zone 2 or 3) Open stream turbines placed in a stretch of the estuary that is restricted by the construction of projecting walls – which could be reduced to 500m over a 300m length. The constriction speeds water flow through the turbines.

Five rows of 30, 8m diameter axial flow stream turbines.

Rated power: 50MW

‘‘WHAT WE ARE LOOKING AT IS AN AMBITIOUS AND ACHIEVABLE TARGET. WEHAVEATEAMIN PLACE, BUT WENEED TO KEEP THEPROCESSMOVING.’’ Anthony Hatton, director of Peel Energy

The Mersey: a main hub of North American trade.

Images supplied by Peel Ports.

Water Wheel (Zone 3) Water wheels are driven by differences in the head of the water rather than the flow speed.

A series of large diameter water wheels would be located in a partial barrage across the estuary.

Rated power: 200MW

Tidal Barrage (Zone 2 or 3) A tidal barrage in Zone 2 including 28, 8m diameter enclosed turbines and 46 sluice gates, each 17m long, in a line across the estuary could provide a rated power of up to 700MW. A tidal barrage in Zone 3 could provide a rated power of up to 500MW. Rated power: 500-700MW

Tidal Gate (Zone 3) Designed for the shallow waters of the Mersey.

The bottom part of the sluice gates (25–30m long) would be fitted with a matrix of compact turbines, each 1-1.5m in diameter, with the gates raised during the incoming tide and closed at high tide with the water exiting through the turbines generating power.

Rated power: 380MW

Potential timescales September 2009 – Feasibility study begins December 2009 – Long list of tidal technologies identified Mid 2010 – Shortlist of tidal schemes December 2010 – Preferred tidal scheme By 2012 – Planning application submitted By 2020 – Tidal scheme operational

Generating ideas The Northwest boasts some of the world’s best marine and tidal research institutions The University of Manchester is working on two major contracts on tidal stream technology. The first is a contract with EDF Energy, the global energy provider – and Britain’s largest generator of electricity. The project involves computational modelling, assessing complex flows. Peter Stansby, Professor of Hydrodynamics at the University of Manchester, explains: “Flow speeds of over one metre per second are significant for tidal stream energy. If the environment is very harsh, the turbulence in the flow will be substantial, with surface waves adding to the loading. This could have a detrimental affect on the performance, and the equipment’s lifespan.” Fundamentally, EDF wants to know the effect of the tidal turbulence and wave action on power output for its own cost analysis. The second contract will assess arrays of tidal stream turbines, reviewing their effectiveness when used as a ‘tidal farm’.

To test the impact, the university will use its 20m x 5m flume – situated in the university buildings. The ‘arrays’ project will involve inserting 15 turbines, each 20cm in diameter. “We will measure the power output and forces on the blades, which will then be scaled up to give full scale predictions,” says Professor Stansby, who is also involved in the Manchester Bobber – commercialising an innovative patented wave energy device.

A wide range of expertise can be found in the Northwest with a number of institutions undertaking tidal or marine energy related research, including; the University of Manchester, University of Liverpool, Lancaster University and Manchester Metropolitan University. Funded by the NWDA, the Joule Centre for Energy Research and Development is a partnership of the Northwest’s universities and commercial organisations. The centre, based at the University of Manchester, acts as a facilitator, supporting and funding energy related projects. “It’s about getting them linked in, so that the research is relevant, while promoting the expertise in the region,” says Melanie Watts, development manager at the Joule Centre. This includes funding the wave device for the university’s flume, allowing the ‘arrays’ project to take place, increasing the university’s position at the centre of

tidal stream technology. The centre has also funded the University of Liverpool project, Tidal Power Potential of the Eastern Irish Sea (www.liv.ac.uk/engdept/tidalpower) – a comprehensive review of the opportunities in the region – and a project at Lancaster to build a flume for tidal stream energy research.

The Lancaster University Renewable Energy Group (LUREG) is internationally recognised, with 30 years’ experience in wave, tidal and hydropower. It is a leading partner in the national SuperGen marine energy research programme – assessing energy exploitation and technology.

The University of Liverpool’s Maritime Environment and Water Systems Research Group has internationally significant expertise in researching coastal sediment motions and erosion and regularly works with research councils, government bodies and industry.

Also in Liverpool, the Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory conducts world-class research in estuary, coastal and shelf sea circulation and ecosystem dynamics, including advanced numerical modelling; wind-wave dynamics and sediment transport; global sea level and geodetic oceanography and marine technology and operational oceanography.

The Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, based at Lancaster Environment Centre, is a UK centre of excellence for research in terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems and their interaction with the atmosphere. Research expertise includes whole system examination of the environmental sustainability of energy.

The Northwest Tidal Energy Group brings together more than 100 members with an interest in tidal energy, including the universities, environmental groups, public sector, regulators and technology developers. The group, chaired by the NWDA, acts as a forum to share and develop ideas and explore the implications of tidal energy extraction.

NWDA-funded Envirolink Northwest, is the region’s energy and environmental technologies sector development organisation and provides secretariat for the Northwest Tidal Energy Group.

Image supplied by Marine Current Turbines Ltd

ACG: HIGH PERFORMANCE MATERIALS

Innovative manufacturing company Advanced Composites Group (ACG), was involved in the 1.2MW Seagen tidal power plant. The company, which has manufacturing facilities in Manchester, supplied the

composite materials used for the world’s first commercial tidal generator, located at Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland. This was a ground-breaking project, with enormous engineering challenges. Seagen used ACG’s carbon/epoxy pre-impregnated materials (prepregs) for the manufacture of the 65mm thick structural spars and custom formatted glass/epoxy prepregs for the skins of the 8m long blades. “The marine energy market in the Northwest is dynamic and developing rapidly.

With our manufacturing facility in Manchester, we are ideally situated to tap into those opportunities,” says Dr Richard Horn, renewable energy market manager, ACG.

‘‘THE MARINE ENERGY MARKET IN THE NORTHWEST IS DYNAMIC AND DEVELOPING RAPIDLY. WITH OUR MANUFACTURING FACILITY IN MANCHESTER, WE ARE IDEALLY SITUATED TO TAP INTO THOSE OPPORTUNITIES.’’ Dr Richard Horn, renewable energy market manager, ACG

Image supplied by Marine Current Turbines Ltd

BENDALLS: ENGINEERING INNOVATION

Carlisle-based Bendalls Engineering saw an opportunity to diversify into tidal energy, quickly establishing itself as an experienced manufacturer.

Norman Addison, managing director of Bendalls, explains: “We had a lot of inherent skills in welding, plating and assembly of structures for the global oil, gas and nuclear industries. We took a stake in Bristol-based technology developer to the tidal sector,

Marine Current Turbines Ltd (MCT), once we realised the technology would work as a commercial concept.”

Bendalls manufactured all the steel fabrications, installed and tested the hydraulics, pneumatic and electronic systems for Sea Flow, located off the north Devon coast. At the time of the build, in 2003, Sea Flow was the biggest large-scale turbine, producing 300kw. In 2007, Bendalls manufactured and assembled the top nacelle structure including the hydraulic lift mechanism for Seagen (left), a 1.2MW turbine, in Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland. Seagen is another world first being the largest turbine to be linked to the grid. “MCT took a very practical approach to both projects involving us right from the start, allowing us to advise on economic manufacture – what would and wouldn’t work,” says Addison.

‘‘MCT TOOK A VERY PRACTICAL APPROACH TO BOTH PROJECTS INVOLVING US RIGHT FROM THE START, ALLOWING US TO ADVISE ON ECONOMIC MANUFACTURE – WHAT WOULD AND WOULDN’T WORK.’’ Norman Addison, managing director, Bendalls Engineering

The skills to grow One of the Northwest’s greatest strengths in energy is the skills and training of the workforce.

As the cradle of the industrial revolution and the mainstay of the UK’s energy and engineering sectors, the region has a proud international heritage and established skills base in developing, manufacturing and assembling large power systems and components.

With 12 universities, including internationally recognised institutions like the universities of Manchester, Liverpool and Lancaster, the Northwest attracts over 250,000 students every year, producing 50,000 graduates annually. Around 70 per cent of them choose to stay and work in the region after graduation, adding to the pool of committed, highlyskilled employees.

Another unique facility in the region is the ENERGUS Centre in Cumbria, which is at the heart of Britain’s Energy Coast initiative. This £20 million energy academy in Workington was created to train young people in the skills required by the energy sector.

The academy opened its doors in September 2009 initially focusing on nuclear, although by year three it will extend to renewables.

Professor Peter Stansby: the flume and wave device at the University of Manchester is being used to conduct research into tidal stream technology for major energy groups.

The bigger picture With a larger economy than Hong Kong, more than a million graduates and a leader in R&D, the Northwest is an ideal location for investors The Northwest sits at the centre of the UK, stretching from Cumbria in the north to Cheshire in the south, with two of the most dynamic and cultural cities in Manchester and Liverpool.

The economy is both large in size – bigger than 15 EU countries, standing at £120 billion, with 252,000 businesses – and scale; being home to many of the world’s leading R&D investors, including AstraZeneca, BAE Systems, Unilever and Rolls-Royce. Annual private sector expenditure is over £2.2 billion; placing the region ahead of many European countries.

The region has more than seven million people – almost twice the population of Ireland. In terms of skills, there is a strong tradition of advanced engineering expertise, serving specialist areas including the aerospace, automotive and chemicals industries. However, it is the strength and depth in a variety of sectors which ensures a strong and growing European region. It is the second biggest media hub in Europe, even before the construction of MediaCityUK – a £3.5 billion development which will put Manchester on the global media map alongside Singapore, Seoul and Dubai. The Northwest is Europe’s largest biomanufacturing region and a leader in biotech innovation. It is also a centre for financial and professional services, with a heritage of wealth management, banking, legal and accountancy experience in the Northwest’s key locations including Manchester, Liverpool and Chester.

This is in addition to its position as a world leader in nuclear energy. The region’s experience and expertise will prove to be significant as the UK enters a new era of nuclear energy.

It also provides essential skills for renewable energy and environmental technology.

A top 10 European university

3 international airports

More universities, more graduates A dynamic, educated, skilled workforce exists, which boasts more than a million graduates. The region is home to one of Europe’s largest concentrations of universities – 12 in total – including the University of Manchester, top 10 in Europe and top 30 in the world. There are a further 60 education colleges.

Well connected It is also one of the best connected regions in the UK, easily accessed both nationally and internationally by road, rail, sea or air.

There are three international airports in the Northwest, flying to over 270 destinations worldwide: Liverpool John Lennon, Blackpool International and Manchester International – the UK’s largest airport outside London.

The comprehensive road infrastructure is unrivalled, boasting 70% more motorways than the national average.

The region is at the crossroads of the key North-South (M6) and East-West (M62/M56) motorway networks, providing direct access to all British major cities within four hours.

The region is equally well serviced by the rail network.

Over 39 trains per day travel the route between Manchester and central London, with journeys taking just over two hours, making this Europe’s best connected intercity route.

The line links the Northwest to London, Scotland and mainland Europe via the Channel Tunnel.

2 hour train journey to central London

7 million people

Supporting investors Gateway to America The region’s large coastline ensures a strong network of ports, including Liverpool, one of Europe’s leading container ports and a main trading route with North America. The port handles 32 million tonnes of cargo annually, 700,000 containers, while Liverpool Freeport is the UK’s largest Free Zone with over three million square foot of logistics and warehousing facilities.

The Port is linked to the Port of Manchester via the Ship Canal, with 15,000 combined annual ship movements between the two ports.

The New Cruise Liner adds another dimension, hosting the world’s biggest luxury liners at Liverpool’s world famous docks. The region’s other major ports include Barrow, Workington and Birkenhead.

There is also the Ocean Gateway, a £50 billion investment strategy for the Northwest region, encompassing Manchester and Liverpool; the largest private sector investment in the UK. Beautiful landscape The Northwest has an enviable location in terms of standard of living. It is home to England’s largest National Park; the Lake District and three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty; at the Solway Coast in Cumbria, Arnside and Silverdale in Lancashire and the Forest of Bowland in Lancashire. There are two UNESCO World heritage sites, at Liverpool waterfront and Hadrian’s Wall, Cumbria, one heritage coast and 32 nature reserves. In fact, almost a third of the region is designated as National Park or an Area of Outstanding Beauty.

Coupled with its outstanding port facilities, superb landscape and long-standing commitment to renewable energy, these strengths make the Northwest an ideal location for investors, enabling owners, developers and suppliers to move equipment, people and plant to and from the region quickly and easily.

The NWDA leads the economic development of the Northwest and works with companies in a variety of industries and countries in attracting foreign direct investment. With over 3,000 foreign-owned businesses in the region, we have one of the UK’s strongest track records in assisting large companies and SMEs with their location and expansion decisions.

We appreciate that making the best investment decisions requires accurate information and timely, relevant, practical advice.

Our Investment Services team offers a range of free and confidential services designed to assist businesses in making these choices. This includes information on: legal and tax issues; recruitment support; property type, availability and cost; financial assistance; and networking opportunities with potential supply chains and other relevant businesses.

Financial Support The NWDA offers a range of financial support to help businesses with their investment and expansion projects in the Northwest.

Grants for Business Investment support businesses undertaking major investment projects which increase the region’s productivity skills and employment.

Grants for Research and Development help businesses fund the R&D required to get new products to market.

Support for innovation in carbon reduction technology is also available.

Grants for Improving Your Resource Efficiency provide assistance to businesses undertaking investment projects which reduce CO2 emissions.

Venture Capital and Loan funding offers a combination of loan, equity and mezzanine finance to support business growth in the region.

Our Investment Services team can provide further information regarding eligibility.

252,000 BUSINESSES 1MILLION GRADUATES £120 BILLION ECONOMY For further information about the business and investment opportunities in the region, visit englandsnorthwest.com or call our Investment Services team on +44 (0)1925 400 495.

Tidal at a glance

650 MILES OF COASTLINE SOME OF THE HIGHEST TIDAL RANGES IN THE UK UP TO 6% OF UK ENERGY POTENTIAL FROM NW TIDAL 4 OF THE TOP 8 POTENTIAL TIDAL ENERGY SITES 4 PORTS

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