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Renewable energy 

Government targets say that by 2020 around 15 per cent of the UK’s energy must come from renewable sources. These include hydro, waves and tidal, biomass, wind, geothermal, solar photovoltaic and solar thermal power. In the North West the industry is made up of businesses which manufacture or supply components, products or services for the technologies involved.

The region has great potential for generating energy from renewable sources: Solway Firth and the Mersey are thought to be two of the best locations in the world for tidal power generation, while it is estimated the recently announced Irish Sea zone windfarm, off the coast of the North West, has the potential to produce up to 5GW – enough to power 2.5 million homes.

This section highlights the wealth of information and support available to help businesses develop and grow.

Business Link Northwest is your free to use, independent business support and information service. Our specialist advisers know the energy and environmental technology sector well and offer free, tailored one-to-one support for your business. Call us now on 0845 00 66 888 or use our contact us form to find out what we can do for you.

UK iconHuge growth predicted for solar photovoltaic market
A study of the UK solar photovoltaic market by PricewaterhouseCoopers forecasts a major expansion over the coming years - particularly for installers.

Feed-in tariffs

Demand for producers and installers of small scale power generation equipment could be set for an increase now that households and businesses which produce electricity through small-scale wind or solar generation will be able to ‘sell’ the power in to the grid. Read more about feed-in tariffs from the Department of energy and climate change.

Bank to invest £200 million in sector
Bank to invest £200 million in sector the Co-operative Bank is to invest £200 million the UK’s renewables sub-sector in 2010. Funding will be up to £25 million for a project. For more information take a look at the Co-operative Bank website.

Ideas iconBusiness opportunities in renewables

Renewable energy generation is seen as one of the best areas for business growth in the UK. See our guide to business opportunities in renewable energy generation.

info iconPolicy report
RenewableUK's policy actions for wind, wave and tidal are set out in its Manifesto 2010.