Students learn economic value of renewable energy in Cornwall

Renewable Energy students from the Penryn Campus have heard how important the sector is to the South West’s economy, during a recent study trip to local solar and wind farms. Experts say that more than 10,000 people work in the sector in the South West and this could rise to 34,000 jobs by 2020.

Twenty-eight students taking Renewable Energy courses at the University of Exeter, Penryn Campus toured one of Cornwall’s newest solar farms at Widemouth Bay near Bude after stopping off at Britain’s first commercial wind farm in Delabole.

Owner of the two sites, Good Energy, hosted the visits which were also attended by Truro-based engineering firm Carnon Contracting (a Wheel Jane Group company), who were involved in the construction of the new solar farm. After a guided tour of both sites, there was a question and answer session for the students.

Richard Cochrane, Director of Education and Lecturer (Education and Scholarship) in Renewable Energy at the University of Exeter said: “In our view Cornwall is an ideal place for the next generation of engineers and project managers to learn about renewable energy. Having projects like these on our doorstep that demonstrate how we can de-carbonise our electricity supply, support local jobs and build successful businesses is truly inspirational for us all.

"Links between the University of Exeter and pioneering clean technology businesses are very important to us. Not only do they provide real world reference for our research activities but their feedback on the skills required in the next generation of graduates helps us shape our programmes to ensure our alumni have the best chance of finding meaningful employment after their degrees.”

Major opportunities for local firms lie in the construction phase of wind and solar projects, for example for local electrical contractors and plant hire firms. There is also a range of specialist services required during the planning and development process, for example from local ecologists and surveyors, and during operational phase when some aspects of site management and maintenance can be procured locally.

Good Energy has already used a number of local companies during the planning and development phase of The Big Field Wind Farm, drawing on existing relationships with Cornish businesses dating from the repower of Delabole Wind Farm in 2010. It’s also building a database of potential local suppliers for the construction and operation phases of the project should planning permission be granted.

Date: 27 October 2014