Understanding Opportunities for South West Businesses to Diversify into the Marine Renewable Energy Supply Chain

Abstract

In 2010 it was reported that the south west of England had an abundance of natural marine energy resources with a capacity to deliver 9.2 GW of energy, this combed with the diverse marine skills, services and facilities available in the south west supply chain, gives the south west of England a unique and significant offer to the MRE sector. This dissertation outlines the opportunities for south west companies to engage with the marine renewable energy, by defining the requirements of the sector. Potential supply chain company diversification methodology is outlined in a created model, and identification of methods of engagement with the sector was undertaken via the use of a questionnaire; with existing south west based marine renewable energy supply chain companies. The dissertation is concluded with recommendations for potential supply chain companies in the south west of England wishing to engage with the MRE sector in the following categories: diversification, initial engagement and market entry.