TIDAL ENERGYIN ENGLAND’SNORTHWEST

ONEOFEUROPE’S TOP TIDAL ENERGYOPPORTUNITIES

650 miles of coastline

Home to Solway and Mersey –

two of the biggesttidal proposals

Global centre for tidal streamresearch

Several estuaries with vast potential

KEY STRENGTHS OFENGLAND’S NORTHWEST

Regional engineering firms at the forefront

Cover image: the Mersey estuary. Supplied by Stuart Royse Photography.

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

The region is identified as one of the main locations forthe UK government, as part of a target to generate morethan 30% of electricity from renewables by 2020, up from5.5% today. Much of this will come from wind power, on andoffshore, but biomass, hydro, wave and tidal will also playan important role. It’s easy to understand why the region hassuch a rich opportunity when you look at the geography; 650miles of coastline; the Irish Sea’s shallow sloping shores ofbetween 5m and 30m in depth; and a variety of estuarieswith high tidal ranges and the potential to generate 50% ofthe 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 whichincludes 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 tidalstream to tidal range as well as some emerging technologies,

Natural energyEngland’s Northwest offers one of the world’s bestopportunities for tidal energy, as well as one of theUK’s best sources for meeting its 2020 objectives

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

Due to the Northwest’s coastal location, its universitiesand research institutes have a long heritage in marinetechnology, which has now developed into a worldwidereputation in tidal research and knowledge.

This research includes the work currently underway bythe University of Manchester into tidal stream power formajor global companies, including EDF Energy, using itsunique on-site wave flume. The university, along withLancaster and Liverpool universities, is supported by theJoule Centre for Energy Research and Development, whichputs renewables at the heart of our future.

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

This publication looks at some of the tidal energyschemes being assessed and the future technologies beinginvestigated across the region by some of the world’sbiggest energy companies, with the support of the publicsector and leading academic institutions.

MANCHESTER

SOLWAY

FIR

TH

MORECAMBE BAY

MERSEY

WYRE

RIBBLE

DEE

BARROW

WORKINGTON

LIVERPOOL

CUMBRIA

LANCASHIRE

CHESHIRE

Port

CityAirport

THE POTENTIAL TOGENERATE 50% OF THEREGION’S ELECTRICITYNEEDS FROM TIDAL ENERGY ALONE

The Mersey estuary: at the heart of the government’s 2020 vision. Image supplied by Peel Ports.Map source: Ordnance Survey Crown Copyright 2009All Rights Reserved GD021102

Climate change is probably the most serious issue facinggovernments 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 the12 warmest years from 1995 to 2006.

The rise in sea levels is consistent with global warming.On closer analysis, recent comparisons emphasise the scaleof the problems and the increasing speed of the rise. Since1961, average sea levels have increased by 1.8mm, and yet ifwe look closer, since 1993 rises have been 3.1mm a year.

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

The need for renewable energyThe world’s reliance on fossil fuels has to come to an end.Estimates vary, but many reports suggest that the supply ofoil may end within 40 years, with gas in 60 and coal in 100years. Fatih Birol, chief economist of the InternationalEnergy Agency, predicts that global oil production will peakby 2020 – earlier than anticipated.

Beyond reasonable doubtClimate change and the rising demand for energyacross thedevelopingworldhasencouragedplannersto lookbeyond fossil fuels and towards tidal

Birol warns that if demand remained steady, the worldwould have to find the equivalent of four Saudi Arabias (in terms of oil capacity and production) to maintain the oilproduction required, and six Saudi Arabias to keep up withexpected 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 situationthat within three generations there may be no more oil or gas,so how will human life operate? The infrastructure of howwe live our lives depends on it.”

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

“You have to consider major capital investments like ourwater supply systems and railways, drains and seweragesystems. We have benefited for100 years from the investmentthat the Victorians made. We need to make similar investmentsin essential utility infrastructure now for the future of ourchildren and grandchildren,” says Professor Burrows.

100%the potential electricity which could be generatedfrom tidal energyworldwide

3%the tidal power located in accessible areas Source: World OffshoreRenewable Energy Report2002–2007

48%the UK’s share of tidal energy resource in the EUSource: World OffshoreRenewable Energy Report2002–2007

20%the percentage of the UK’selectricity demand that could be generated from tidal sources

WE ARE IN A SITUATION THAT WITHINTHREE GENERATIONS THERE MAY BE NOMORE OIL OR GAS,SO HOW WILL HUMANLIFE OPERATE? THE INFRASTRUCTURE OFHOW WE LIVE OUR LIVES DEPENDS ON IT.’’Professor Richard Burrows, University of Liverpool

‘‘

The Solway Firth is the second most powerful estuary in theUK after the Severn and one of the most powerful in Europe.Research by the University of Liverpool indicates that theinner estuary could generate 250-300MW of energy, sufficientto power 100,000s of homes.

Located at the border of Scotland and England, studieshave highlighted the firth’s tidal energy potential since the1960s. This is why the Solway Energy Gateway proposal isone of the most exciting tidal energy schemes to emerge. It brings together the Northwest Regional DevelopmentAgency (NWDA), Scottish Enterprise and the NuclearDecommissioning Authority, demonstrating the political willand public sector support which exists to make this happenby 2020.

A feasibility study, funded by the three bodies, is currentlyunderway reviewing the various tidal range and tidal streamoptions available. A proposal may use a point at innerSolway, running between Bowness and Annan, as this is thelocation of a previous viaduct crossing. The firth is one mileat this point, but widening at either side making the flowmore concentrated.

The Solway is in the enviable position of being in closeproximity to the national grid, with a major connection at theNuclear Decommissioning Authority’s decommissioned siteat Chapelcross Power Station.

Gateway to energyThe Solway Firth has enthusiastic cross-bordersupport to create one of the most effective sources of renewable energy in Europe

A scheme could have the capacity to provide electricityfor the entire local area and help the government meet itstargets. However, several other considerations have to betaken into account. The study will also assess the impact onthe environment and habitat. The Solway is a rich andunique landscape, with some of the highest protectionratings including Special Protected Area status and Site ofSpecial Scientific Interest. Any scheme must address theenvironmental issues, minimising damage.

It is also important that the chosen tidal project is a driverfor regeneration, creating jobs and attracting inwardinvestment to the area. A scheme of this scale should involvesignificant infrastructure benefits. Once again, the study will assess the impact, and how such capital developmentswill assist south west Scotland and northern Cumbria’sstrategic vision to grow tourism.

Nigel Catterson, chairman of Cumbrian social enterprisecompany 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 someform of community ownership model, where the localcommunity gets maximum benefit and investors are alsosatisfied,” adding: “We are aspiring to balance human needswith those of nature. The aim is not only to conserve whatalready exists but also find ways of enhancing it.”

Potential timescales

June–November 2009 – Technical feasibility study2010–2013 – Full feasibility study, assessingtechnology, developers and funding2013–2014 – Planning approval2014–2016 – Project build2016–2020 – Commissioning of project

Solway criteria

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

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

Making the Mersey workThe Mersey has the potential to be a flagship forrenewable energy, not only in England’s Northwestbut in Europe and across the world

Tidal optionsA number of technologyoptions have beenconsidered to generateelectricity from the tide.The following schemeoptions were assessedin the pre-feasibilitystudy Power from theMersey, 2007. Theseoptions will be analysedfurther in the currentdetailed study as part ofthe process to identify apreferred scheme.

Tidal Lagoon (Zone1)A circular lagoon sittingoff the northern coast ofWirral, 7km in diameter,could includeapproximately 120turbines with blades of3.2m diameter. Rated power: 350MW

Central Reservation(Zone 2)A series of open streamturbines located within acentral reservation withthe highest flowvelocities. It could be120m wide and1.5kmlong with 100 tidalstream turbines of 10rows of 10. Rated power: 20MW

Tidal Fence (Zone 2)Vertical axis turbineshoused in submergedcells built across theestuary. The restrictionto flow created by thefence would acceleratewater flow through theturbines. Rated power: 35MW

Constrained Channel(Zone 2 or 3)Open stream turbinesplaced in a stretch of theestuary that is restrictedby the construction ofprojecting walls – whichcould be reduced to500m over a 300mlength. The constrictionspeeds water flowthrough the turbines.Five rows of 30, 8mdiameter axial flowstream turbines.Rated power: 50MW

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 largein terms of cost, with budget estimates of up to £2 billion, forconstruction of one of the larger schemes.

The potential schemes vary from well known tidal rangeschemes, including barrages or lagoons, to a variety ofproposals using tidal stream turbines, as well as innovativeideas such as tidal gates and tidal fences that are at varyingstages of technological development and testing. Although,as Hatton explains: “all options will be considered throughan assessment and selection process to the point where wehave identified a preferred scheme.”

In order to decide upon the most appropriate proposalfor the Mersey, the team will have to consider the tidal flowand depth, but also some other fundamentals relevant to theMersey; the impact on birdlife, as 6,500 acres of the Merseyis designated as a Special Protected Area, with much of theestuary named as one of four Sites of Special ScientificInterest; commercial shipping – and the passing of vesselsthrough the Mersey, particularly if any form of obstacle is tobe built; and local communities who live beside the estuaryand river. The engineering assessments will investigate thevarious technologies and their suitability to the Mersey,while a cost analysis will review commercial viabilitycomparing the energy generated against the capital costs.

“Tidal schemes can play an important part of the energymix,” says Hatton, “but just as with any development weneed to ensure we are doing something that has acceptableimpacts on the environment, as well as existing businessesand communities.”

“Through this project we have a great opportunity todevelop innovative ideas and build on the research knowledgeof Liverpool, Manchester and Lancaster Universities andthe continuing work of Envirolink Northwest – the sectordevelopment organisation.”

The Mersey estuary has one of the largest tidal ranges in theUK, making it one of the best locations for a tidal powergeneration scheme. It has the potential to make a significantcontribution to the government’s target to secure 15% of UKenergy from renewable sources by 2020. A large schemecould deliver enough renewable electricity to meet theneeds of a significant proportion of the homes within theLiverpool City Region. Any scheme put forward will need totake into account the ecological diversity of the estuary,which supports internationally important bird habitats.

Any visitor to the estuary can quite literally see thestrength of tide in the Mersey. The tidal power comes fromthe waters arriving from the northwest, between NorthernIreland and Scotland, and from the south west, aroundAnglesey. The tides meet, building momentum beforeflowing eastward into Liverpool Bay and into the estuary,creating two high and two low tides daily.

The proposal has already made significant progress. PeelEnergy, in partnership with the NWDA and the Mersey BasinCampaign, recently completed a pre-feasibility study Powerfrom the Mersey, to consider the constraints and technologyoptions. The project is now progressing with the aim ofidentifying a preferred scheme and taking it to a planningapplication by 2012 with a target date for completion ofconstruction and operational commencement of 2020.

The next step of the journey is a comprehensivefeasibility study, supported by Peel Energy and the NWDA.An experienced consulting team has been appointed, led byScott Wilson, EDF Energy and Drivers Jonas, and supportedby RSK, APEM, HR Wallingford, Regeneris, Turner &Townsend, University of Liverpool and a number of otheradvisors. These specialists range from engineers and powerexperts to environment consultants, hydrodynamic experts,cost and regeneration consultants.

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

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

Water Wheel (Zone 3)Water wheels are drivenby differences in thehead of the water ratherthan the flow speed. A series of largediameter water wheelswould be located in apartial barrage acrossthe estuary. Rated power: 200MW

Tidal Barrage (Zone 2 or 3)A tidal barrage in Zone 2including 28, 8mdiameter enclosedturbines and 46 sluicegates, each 17m long, ina line across the estuarycould provide a ratedpower of up to 700MW.A tidal barrage in Zone 3could provide a ratedpower of up to 500MW.Rated power: 500-700MW

Tidal Gate (Zone 3)Designed for the shallowwaters of the Mersey.The bottom part of thesluice gates (25–30mlong) would be fittedwith a matrix of compactturbines, each1-1.5m indiameter, with the gatesraised during theincoming tide andclosed at high tide withthe water exitingthrough the turbinesgenerating power. Rated power: 380MW

‘‘WHAT WE ARE LOOKING AT IS AN AMBITIOUS ANDACHIEVABLE TARGET.WEHAVEA TEAM INPLACE, BUTWENEED TOKEEP THE PROCESSMOVING.’’Anthony Hatton, director of Peel Energy

Potential timescales

September 2009 – Feasibility study beginsDecember 2009 – Long list of tidaltechnologies identifiedMid 2010 – Shortlist of tidal schemes December 2010 – Preferred tidal scheme By 2012 – Planning application submittedBy 2020 – Tidal scheme operational

The Mersey: a main hub ofNorth American trade. Images supplied by Peel Ports.

The University of Manchester is working on two majorcontracts on tidal stream technology. The first is a contractwith EDF Energy, the global energy provider – and Britain’slargest generator of electricity. The project involvescomputational modelling, assessing complex flows. PeterStansby, Professor of Hydrodynamics at the University ofManchester, explains: “Flow speeds of over one metre persecond are significant for tidal stream energy. If theenvironment is very harsh, the turbulence in the flow will besubstantial, with surface waves adding to the loading. Thiscould have a detrimental affect on the performance, and theequipment’s lifespan.” Fundamentally, EDF wants to knowthe effect of the tidal turbulence and wave action on poweroutput for its own cost analysis. The second contract willassess arrays of tidal stream turbines, reviewing theireffectiveness when used as a ‘tidal farm’.

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

A wide range of expertise can be found in the Northwestwith a number of institutions undertaking tidal or marineenergy related research, including; the University ofManchester, University of Liverpool, Lancaster University andManchester Metropolitan University. Funded by the NWDA,the Joule Centre for Energy Research and Development is apartnership of the Northwest’s universities and commercialorganisations. The centre, based at the University ofManchester, acts as a facilitator, supporting and fundingenergy related projects. “It’s about getting them linked in, sothat the research is relevant, while promoting the expertisein the region,” says Melanie Watts, development manager atthe Joule Centre. This includes funding the wave device forthe university’s flume, allowing the ‘arrays’ project to takeplace, increasing the university’s position at the centre of

Generating ideasThe Northwest boasts some of the world’s bestmarine and tidal research institutions

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

The Lancaster University Renewable Energy Group(LUREG) is internationally recognised, with 30 years’ experiencein 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 andWater Systems Research Group has internationallysignificant expertise in researching coastal sediment motionsand erosion and regularly works with research councils,government bodies and industry.

Also in Liverpool, the Proudman OceanographicLaboratory conducts world-class research in estuary, coastaland shelf sea circulation and ecosystem dynamics, includingadvanced numerical modelling; wind-wave dynamics andsediment transport; global sea level and geodeticoceanography and marine technology and operationaloceanography.

The Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, based at LancasterEnvironment Centre, is a UK centre of excellence for research in terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems and theirinteraction with the atmosphere. Research expertiseincludes whole system examination of the environmentalsustainability of energy.

The Northwest Tidal Energy Group brings together morethan 100 members with an interest in tidal energy, includingthe universities, environmental groups, public sector,regulators and technology developers. The group, chairedby the NWDA, acts as a forum to share and develop ideasand explore the implications of tidal energy extraction.NWDA-funded Envirolink Northwest, is the region’s energyand environmental technologies sector developmentorganisation and provides secretariat for the NorthwestTidal Energy Group.

Innovative manufacturingcompany Advanced CompositesGroup (ACG), was involved inthe 1.2MW Seagen tidal powerplant. The company, which hasmanufacturing facilities inManchester, supplied the

composite materials used for theworld’s first commercial tidalgenerator, located at StrangfordLough, Northern Ireland. Thiswas a ground-breaking project,with enormous engineeringchallenges. Seagen used ACG’scarbon/epoxy pre-impregnatedmaterials (prepregs) for themanufacture of the 65mm thickstructural spars and customformatted glass/epoxy prepregsfor the skins of the 8m longblades. “The marine energymarket in the Northwest isdynamic and developing rapidly.With our manufacturing facilityin Manchester, we are ideallysituated to tap into thoseopportunities,” says Dr RichardHorn, renewable energy marketmanager, ACG.

ACG: HIGH PERFORMANCEMATERIALS THE MARINE ENERGY

MARKET IN THE NORTHWESTIS DYNAMIC ANDDEVELOPING RAPIDLY. WITHOUR MANUFACTURINGFACILITY IN MANCHESTER,WE ARE IDEALLY SITUATED TO TAP INTO THOSEOPPORTUNITIES.’’Dr Richard Horn, renewable energy market manager, ACG

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Carlisle-based BendallsEngineering saw an opportunityto diversify into tidal energy,quickly establishing itself as anexperienced manufacturer.Norman Addison, managingdirector of Bendalls, explains:“We had a lot of inherent skills inwelding, plating and assembly ofstructures for the global oil, gasand nuclear industries. We took astake in Bristol-based technologydeveloper to the tidal sector,

Marine Current Turbines Ltd(MCT), once we realised thetechnology would work as acommercial concept.”

Bendalls manufactured allthe steel fabrications, installedand tested the hydraulics,pneumatic and electronicsystems for Sea Flow, located offthe north Devon coast. At thetime of the build, in 2003, SeaFlow was the biggest large-scaleturbine, producing 300kw. In2007, Bendalls manufactured andassembled the top nacellestructure including the hydrauliclift mechanism for Seagen (left),a 1.2MW turbine, in StrangfordLough, Northern Ireland. Seagenis another world first being thelargest turbine to be linked to thegrid. “MCT took a very practicalapproach to both projectsinvolving us right from the start,allowing us to advise oneconomic manufacture – whatwould and wouldn’t work,” says Addison.

BENDALLS: ENGINEERING INNOVATION

MCT TOOK A VERY PRACTICAL APPROACH TO BOTHPROJECTS 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 energyis the skills and training of the workforce.

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

With12 universities, including internationallyrecognised institutions like the universities ofManchester, Liverpool and Lancaster, the Northwestattracts over 250,000 students every year, producing50,000 graduates annually. Around 70 per cent ofthem choose to stay and work in the region aftergraduation, adding to the pool of committed, highly-skilled employees.

Another unique facility in the region is the ENERGUSCentre in Cumbria, which is at the heart of Britain’sEnergy Coast initiative. This £20 million energyacademy in Workington was created to train youngpeople in the skills required by the energy sector. The academy opened its doors in September 2009initially focusing on nuclear, although by year three itwill extend to renewables.

Professor Peter Stansby: theflume and wave device at theUniversity of Manchester is beingused to conduct research intotidal stream technology for major energy groups.

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The Northwest sits at the centre of the UK, stretching fromCumbria in the north to Cheshire in the south, with two of themost dynamic and cultural cities in Manchester and Liverpool.

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

The region has more than seven million people – almosttwice the population of Ireland. In terms of skills, there is astrong tradition of advanced engineering expertise, servingspecialist areas including the aerospace, automotive andchemicals industries. However, it is the strength and depth ina variety of sectors which ensures a strong and growingEuropean region. It is the second biggest media hub in Europe,even before the construction of MediaCityUK – a £3.5 billiondevelopment which will put Manchester on the global mediamap alongside Singapore, Seoul and Dubai. The Northwestis Europe’s largest biomanufacturing region and a leader inbiotech innovation. It is also a centre for financial andprofessional services, with a heritage of wealth management,banking, legal and accountancy experience in the Northwest’skey locations including Manchester, Liverpool and Chester.This is in addition to its position as a world leader in nuclearenergy. The region’s experience and expertise will prove tobe significant as the UK enters a new era of nuclear energy.It also provides essential skills for renewable energy andenvironmental technology.

More universities, more graduatesA dynamic, educated, skilled workforce exists, which

boasts more than a million graduates. The region is hometo 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 60education colleges.

Well connectedIt 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 JohnLennon, 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, providingdirect 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 Manchesterand central London, with journeys taking just over twohours, making this Europe’s best connected intercity route.The line links the Northwest to London, Scotland andmainland Europe via the Channel Tunnel.

The bigger pictureWith a larger economy than Hong Kong, more than amillion graduates and a leader in R&D, the Northwestis an ideal location for investors

2 hour train journey to central

London

A top 10 Europeanuniversity 7 million people3 international

airports

Gateway to AmericaThe region’s large coastline ensures a strong network of

ports, including Liverpool, one of Europe’s leading containerports and a main trading route with North America. The porthandles 32 million tonnes of cargo annually, 700,000containers, while Liverpool Freeport is the UK’s largest FreeZone with over three million square foot of logistics andwarehousing facilities.

The Port is linked to the Port of Manchester via the ShipCanal, with15,000 combined annual ship movements betweenthe two ports.

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

There is also the Ocean Gateway, a £50 billion investmentstrategy for the Northwest region, encompassing Manchesterand Liverpool; the largest private sector investment in the UK.

Beautiful landscapeThe Northwest has an enviable location in terms of

standard of living. It is home to England’s largest NationalPark; the Lake District and three Areas of OutstandingNatural Beauty; at the Solway Coast in Cumbria, Arnside andSilverdale in Lancashire and the Forest of Bowland inLancashire. There are two UNESCO World heritage sites, atLiverpool waterfront and Hadrian’s Wall, Cumbria, oneheritage coast and 32 nature reserves. In fact, almost a thirdof the region is designated as National Park or an Area ofOutstanding Beauty.

Coupled with its outstanding port facilities, superblandscape and long-standing commitment to renewableenergy, these strengths make the Northwest an ideallocation for investors, enabling owners, developers andsuppliers to move equipment, people and plant to and fromthe region quickly and easily.

252,000 BUSINESSES1MILLION GRADUATES£120 BILLION ECONOMY

Supporting investors

The NWDA leads the economic development of theNorthwest and works with companies in a variety ofindustries and countries in attracting foreign directinvestment. With over 3,000 foreign-owned businesses inthe region, we have one of the UK’s strongest trackrecords in assisting large companies and SMEs with theirlocation and expansion decisions.

We a ppreciate that making the best investment decisionsrequires accurate information and timely, relevant,practical advice.

Our Investment Services team offers a range of free andconfidential services designed to assist businesses inmaking these choices. This includes information on: legaland tax issues; recruitment support; property type,availability and cost; financial assistance; and networkingopportunities with potential supply chains and otherrelevant businesses.

Financial Support

The NWDA offers a range of financial support to helpbusinesses with their investment and expansion projectsin the Northwest.

Grants for Business Investment support businessesundertaking major investment projects which increa sethe region’s productivity skills and employment.

Grants for Research and Development help businessesfund the R&D required to get new products to market.Support for innovation in carbon reduction technology isalso available.

Grants for Improving Your Resource Efficiency provideassistance to businesses undertaking investment projectswhich reduce CO2 emissions.

Venture Capital and Loan funding offers a combination ofloan, equity and mezzanine finance to support businessgrowth in the region.

Our Investment Services team can provide furtherinformation regarding eligibility.

For further information about the business andinvestment opportunities in the region, visitenglandsnorthwest.com or call our InvestmentServices team on +44 (0)1925 400 495.

Tel: +44 (0)1925 400 495www.englandsnorthwest.com

650 MILES OF COASTLINE SOME OF THE HIGHEST TIDAL RANGES IN THE UKUP TO 6% OF UK ENERGYPOTENTIAL FROM NW TIDAL4 OF THE TOP 8 POTENTIAL TIDAL ENERGY SITES4 PORTS

Tidal at a glance

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