Devon: Powering Potential

Welcome

Devon offers one of the UK’s strongest regional platforms for diverse clean energy, with the right mix of supply chain, infrastructure and expertise to deliver at scale.

01. Regional ambition

Devon provides a network of clean energy infrastructure, scalable supply chain businesses and world-class research and innovation centres, all contributing to the UK’s clean energy future.

Regional strengths

• Diverse low-carbon energy resources, including for floating offshore wind
• Strategic ports, harbours and jetty locations, with proximity to the Celtic Sea
• Longstanding shipbuilding capabilities in Appledore, alongside the cutting-edge Clean Maritime Innovation Centre
• Emerging hydrogen clusters
• Strong community energy networks
• A growing and adaptable clean energy supply chain, supported by an existing regional directory of suppliers
• Significant geothermal resource
• Critical mineral deposits
• World-leading research institutions
• Leading UK expertise in marine engineering, maritime autonomy and ocean data

With a population of over 1.2 million and an economy worth £31.5 billion – the same size as Manchester and larger than Edinburgh, Glasgow, Bristol and Tyneside – Devon (including Plymouth and Torbay) has the scale and capacity to deliver clean energy infrastructure at pace. The region is home to leading universities, including the University of Exeter and the University of Plymouth, the largest naval base in Western Europe and Europe’s highest concentration of climate scientists.

Devon is well positioned to play a major role in the UK’s energy transition, with its proximity to Celtic sea floating offshore wind, robust industrial capabilities and expertise in marine engineering, offshore operations and environmental sciences. It boasts some of the best solar and geothermal resources in the UK and hosts one of the world’s largest tungsten deposits, supporting both clean energy deployment and the critical mineral supply chain. The Plymouth and South Devon Freeport offers significant tax and customs benefits across three sites, including Oceansgate – a dedicated marine enterprise zone focused on clean maritime innovation, advanced manufacturing and defence, creating a ready-made platform for investors. Devon is also a landing point for the proposed Xlinks and FAB Link interconnectors, which could link the UK to Morocco and France.

The UK government has set ambitious clean energy targets that underscore the need to accelerate the shift from fossil fuels to domestic clean energy. Achieving this demands a whole system approach – both locally and nationally – focused on integrated energy networks, investing in vital infrastructure and technology and developing the specialised skills needed to support high-growth sectors and drive the transition to a green economy. These targets are translated locally via the Devon Carbon Plan, prepared by the Devon Climate Emergency partnership.

0.2 Emerging clean energy

Developments in emerging technologies, including green hydrogen, biofuels, geothermal energy and critical minerals, complement established solar and onshore wind generation in Devon to build a resilient and balanced clean energy supply chain.

A thriving landscape for onshore renewables

Devon boasts 148 MW of operational onshore wind capacity, with repowering opportunities offering the chance for further expansion. It has 690 MW of operational solar capacity, with an additional 180 MW ready to connect – much of which will incorporate battery storage for enhanced grid stability. Devon is also home to Severn Trent Green Power Holsworthy AD Facility, the UK’s longest running anaerobic digestion plant.

It has one of the UK’s most vibrant community energy networks including community energy companies owning and operating commercial-scale renewables, such as Plymouth Energy Community and Yealm Community Energy.

Scaling up green hydrogen and clean fuels

Major projects, such as Celtic Sea floating offshore wind and interconnector developments, provide an opportunity for Devon to convert surplus electricity into green hydrogen and synthetic fuels at scale. Devon’s maritime strengths in shipbuilding and innovation support co-located hydrogen supply and demand. This enables end-to-end solutions for zero-emission maritime vessels and initiatives such as the Future Flight Innovation Zone, which includes Exeter Airport, are establishing hydrogen and battery supply chains for aviation. Hydrogen clusters are emerging in Exeter and Plymouth, while North Devon and Torridge have developed a green hydrogen route map, in which hydrogen for marine propulsion, agricultural machinery and heavy road transport are key areas of focus.

A connected energy network

Devon could host the Xlinks Power Project, a pioneering initiative which will deliver up to 3.6 GW of renewable energy from Morocco to North Devon at Alverdiscott. The proposed 1.25GW FAB link interconnector could also strengthen energy security by linking the Cotentin Peninsula in France to East Devon.

Harnessing natural resources for energy and industry

Devon’s natural assets play a vital role in the UK’s transition to clean energy and resilient industry. The Hemerdon Tungsten-Tin Mine is one of the world’s largest tungsten sources, supporting technologies such as wind turbines, solar panels, batteries and electronics. Devon also offers exceptional deep geothermal potential. The hot granite beneath the Bovey Basin creates ideal conditions for zero-carbon heating, placing the region among the UK’s most promising locations.

Alongside this, Devon is advancing low-carbon heat networks in Plymouth, Exeter and East Devon. The Plymouth District Heat Network, valued at over £400 million, will supply heat to central buildings across the city, cutting emissions and strengthening local energy resilience.

0.3 Floating offshore wind

Strategic port locations, maritime and environmental expertise and scalable supply chain capabilities position Devon as a critical hub for Celtic sea floating offshore wind development, leveraging cross-cutting expertise in marine autonomy and hydrogen.

Floating offshore wind (FLOW) in the Celtic Sea presents a multi-billion-pound opportunity for Devon.

The Celtic Sea’s floating offshore wind pipeline targets 4.5 GW by 2035, with spatial potential for an additional 12 GW. Of this, 4-10 GW could be leased by 2030 and in operation from 2035-2040. Backed by major international developers, targeted investment will drive early-stage innovation, infrastructure development and skills growth in the region. By 2040, the sector could contribute £2 billion in GVA and support 22,900 FTE years of employment across Devon, with further potential through collaboration with South Wales and neighbouring regions.

White Cross will be Devon’s first floating offshore wind farm. Connecting to the National Grid at Yelland and with construction expected in 2027, the 100 MW project will power nearly 135,000 homes and help de-risk larger Celtic Sea developments. The first two large-scale Project Development Areas, totalling 3 GW capacity, have been leased by the Crown Estate, with construction expected to begin in the early 2030s. One of these 1.5 GW projects is expected to connect to the onshore grid in North Devon.

Planned grid connection points along Devon’s north coast will enable floating offshore wind farms in the Celtic Sea to deliver clean energy directly into the county, strengthening Devon’s role in the UK’s low-carbon transition. Investment in onshore grid infrastructure will accelerate decarbonisation across energy-intensive sectors like critical mineral extraction and synthetic fuel production. Enhanced grid capacity will also unlock onshore wind, solar and geothermal resources.

How Devon can support FLOW

• Marine engineering – a robust network of organisations with advanced engineering, manufacturing and assembly expertise to support component fabrication, such as anchoring and mooring systems
• Operations and maintenance (O&M) – access to specialist vessel services, condition monitoring and offshore logistics for long-term asset management
• Port infrastructure – strategically located with facilities to support component storage, assembly and servicing
• Ocean surveying – extensive expertise in marine biology/conservation, including site-specific knowledge of the Celtic Sea, with advanced development of autonomous vessels
• Skills and workforce growth – private and public training programmes across offshore logistics, advanced manufacturing and engineering, ocean sciences and health and safety at sea
• Research and innovation – world-leading research and testing facilities supporting advancements in offshore renewable technologies floating platform deployment and remote inspection

04. Supply chain strengths

Devon is emerging as a clean energy hub, with strong capabilities across project development, construction and operations, supported by expert firms in offshore wind, solar, hydrogen, marine tech and critical minerals.

Development and project management

Devon is well-equipped to support early-stage clean energy projects, offering expertise in environmental assessments, marine and onshore surveys, geophysical studies and project consenting. Leading firms like Partrac, Royal HaskoningDHV, GoBe Consultants, AECOM, RPS and others give Devon a strong foundation in engineering design, project planning, stakeholder engagement, metocean assessments and site selection. This collective expertise enables support for developers in navigating regulatory and technical challenges.

Construction, installation and commissioning

Devon can support construction and installation, particularly through marine infrastructure, civil engineering and port logistics. The region’s ports have potential for pre-assembly, wet storage and servicing for floating wind platforms, with scope for growth in heavy lift operations, mooring system installation and subsea cabling. Companies such as Navantia, (Appledore Shipyard), Babcock International (Devonport), Royal HaskoningDHV and Mott MacDonald provide expertise in shipbuilding, offshore fabrication and marine civil engineering. The local engineering and fabrication sector can also support component manufacturing and assembly, helping to strengthen the regional supply chain as projects scale up.

Operations and maintenance

O&M is the largest long-term opportunity for Devon, which offers strong capabilities in vessel operations, marine contracting, condition monitoring and subsea maintenance to support floating offshore wind throughout its lifecycle. Devon is also well-placed to deliver remote monitoring, autonomous inspection technologies and specialist O&M vessel services, which will become increasingly important as offshore wind projects scale up. Facilities such as Turnchapel Wharf in Plymouth provide direct access to the water and host over 20 marine-focused businesses, many of which are specialists in marine autonomy and cybersecurity. Companies such as Thales, Valeport and HydroSurv are leading in marine autonomy, developing uncrewed vessels, robotic subsea inspection systems and AI-driven predictive maintenance solutions. With a strategic location close to the Celtic Sea, Devon is well-placed to become a key hub for O&M.

Devon, Plymouth and Torbay benefit from a robust and growing supply chain serving the clean energy and maritime sectors. The region hosts hundreds of engineering, fabrication, environmental and professional services businesses already engaged in offshore wind, hydrogen and clean maritime projects. A regional supply chain directory is being maintained to support matchmaking between local providers and major developers.

05. Port infrastructure

Devon has a diverse range of port infrastructure ideally positioned to support the region’s ambitious growth in marine autonomy, renewable energy and advanced manufacturing.

The network of ports around the county offers strategic locations and tailored capabilities that can support opportunities across floating offshore wind, clean maritime solutions, hydrogen production and advanced manufacturing industries.

Plymouth

As one of the UK’s largest and most diverse port clusters, Plymouth already caters to naval logistics, commercial shipping, international passenger transport and ship building. It also hosts over 20 marine-focused businesses, many of them leading innovators in autonomy and cyber security.

The Plymouth and South Devon Freeport is a key area for marine innovation and blue-tech investment, positioned as a hub for advanced manufacturing, renewable energy and maritime industries. Central to its offer is Oceansgate Enterprise Zone, a specialist marine technology and business cluster, where new developments now benefit from Freeport status. Langage Energy Park features private wire connectivity, a green hydrogen plant and solar infrastructure, making it a prime location for clean industrial growth. Sherford Employment Zone supports sustainable business expansion, enhanced by a new multi-use bridge and improved access via the A38. Meanwhile, South Yard is emerging as a centre for marine and defence innovation, advancing capabilities in maritime manufacturing and autonomous vessel technology.

Investors in the Freeport can access key incentives, including stamp duty land tax relief, enhanced capital allowances, up to five years of business rates relief, reduced import duties, VAT suspension and simplified customs procedures, creating an attractive environment for business growth and investment.

Appledore

Appledore shipyard offers specialised expertise in shipbuilding, marine engineering and vessel maintenance, with direct access to the Celtic Sea, offering strategic support for offshore wind. The shipyard features a 118 x 33.5m drydock, multiple fabrication and assembly halls and extensive lifting capacity. The Appledore Clean Maritime Innovation Centre, set to open in 2026, will further establish North Devon as a regional hub for low-carbon vessel design, addressing the demand for approximately 1,400 new vessels to support the UK’s floating offshore wind industry. Investment in office and workshop space will also attract businesses, driving innovation and fostering long-term economic growth.

Additional Devon ports

In the north of Devon, Yelland and Ilfracombe are well located to support marine logistics, wildlife surveys and environmental monitoring, crew transfers and vessel staging. Along the south coast, Brixham and Torquay host established marine services, including towing services and infrastructure for marine surveys, small-vessel logistics and near-shore construction support.

Skills and education

Devon has a strong and growing education network supporting the region’s clean energy transition. From maritime training to advanced manufacturing, colleges and universities across Devon are preparing a workforce ready to meet the needs of floating wind, clean fuels, autonomy and green construction.

Institutions across Devon provide specialised courses and training programmes designed to equip the local workforce with the necessary skills to meet industry demands. Close partnerships with local industry – particularly in marine engineering, renewable energy and advanced manufacturing – ensure that education and training programmes align with real-world applications and regional economic opportunities.

Universities of Exeter and Plymouth

The University of Exeter and the University of Plymouth are leading institutions in marine, environmental and engineering education, supporting the offshore renewables sector through innovative research and training. Both universities offer specialised courses in renewable energy, marine surveying, ecology and conservation, equipping graduates with the skills to advance the sector. The University of Plymouth, with over 19,000 students, is renowned for its renewable energy engineering and marine systems programmes, featuring courses in offshore renewable energy engineering, ocean science and coastal engineering. The University of Exeter, with 30,000 students,
provides nationally recognised expertise in marine biology and climate research, offering courses in renewable energy engineering, marine biology and environmental science.

Colleges

Several colleges across Devon have established track records in delivering skills related to major infrastructure projects, including engineering, manufacturing and maritime sectors. City College Plymouth and MLA College both provide training in mechanical engineering, fabrication, marine operations and oceanography in Plymouth. South Devon College and Petroc College offer industry partnerships to deliver practical maritime and engineering courses that support the growing blue and green economies. Exeter College offers strong pathways into engineering, manufacturing and computing, equipping students with the technical skills necessary for progression into higher-level roles.

Private training providers

Private organisations across the region provide specialised training courses in various subjects. The Diving Diseases Research Centre focuses on medical training, ranging from first aid to offshore medical care and emergency dive response courses. Other centres for maritime training include Maritime Training Plymouth and SeaRegs Training, both of which offer vessel operation courses.

07. Research and development

Devon is a vibrant hub for marine research and innovation, strategically positioned to lead advancements in offshore renewable energy, clean propulsion, autonomous vessel technologies and environmental science.

“PML Applications welcomes the growing momentum behind clean energy adoption in the UK. The Centre for Coastal Technologies at PML Applications works with numerous industry partners across the South West and beyond to apply practical, cutting-edge scientific research in this field, ensuring one problem is not being solved at the expense of creating another. We are very proud to be based in the South West as it continues to grow as a hub for clean energy and technology.” Sam Fawcett – Manager of the Centre For Coastal Technologies

Universities of Exeter and Plymouth

Appledore Clean Maritime Innovation Centre, scheduled to open in 2026, will be a £15.6 million government-backed facility that will lead research and development in clean propulsion, autonomous vessels, smart environmental services and aquaculture. The centre has been designated by the National Shipbuilding Office as a Centre of Excellence for Clean Propulsion, cementing its role in supporting the UK’s maritime decarbonisation goals. Located next door to Navantia’s shipyard, the Centre will drive innovation, skills development and industry collaboration across the Celtic Sea and wider clean maritime economy.

Smart Sound Plymouth

Smart Sound Plymouth is the UK’s leading test range for marine autonomy and clean maritime innovation, covering nearly 1,000 square kilometres of dedicated testing zone. It supports live trials of uncrewed vessels and smart systems, with integrated 4G/5G and underwater communications for real-time testing in both shallow and deep-water conditions. Strong academic and industry partnerships position Smart Sound Plymouth as a national asset driving advancements in autonomous shipping, smart ports and offshore energy.

Turnchapel Wharf

Turnchapel Wharf in Plymouth is a dedicated hub for autonomous marine technology, supporting the testing, development and commercialisation of uncrewed vessels and intelligent marine systems. Home to over 20 marine-focused businesses, the site offers direct waterfront access, specialised facilities and expert personnel. Its role in advancing maritime autonomy, cyber security and clean maritime innovation makes it a vital part of Devon’s offshore energy and blue tech ecosystem.

Plymouth’s Marine Research Institutions

Plymouth hosts two globally respected research centres: the Marine Biological Association (MBA) and Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML). The MBA leads on marine ecosystem and biodiversity research, contributing to offshore wind through projects like FRONTIER in the Celtic Sea. PML specialises in ocean observation, ecosystem modelling and climate science, supporting sustainable energy development and environmental policy. Both institutions are founding members of Marine Research Plymouth and lead contributors to the National Centre for Coastal Autonomy, reinforcing the region’s strengths in clean, intelligent ocean science and innovation.

08. Invest in Devon

Devon offers one of the UK’s strongest regional platforms for diverse clean energy, with the right mix of supply chain, infrastructure and expertise to deliver at scale.

Devon’s strengths in energy infrastructure, clean maritime, green hydrogen, advanced manufacturing and marine autonomy, along with its established businesses and academic institutions, offer a solid foundation for clean energy investment and development.

Realising this opportunity will require continued collaboration between government, industry and investors. Devon is well placed to deliver clean energy at scale, from technology development and supply chain expansion to workforce training and infrastructure delivery.

A generational economic opportunity

Devon presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to drive regional economic growth through clean energy. From large-scale solar and green hydrogen production to advanced maritime technologies and floating offshore wind, the region is positioned to lead. The Celtic Sea floating offshore wind development will unlock billions of pounds of investment. These developments can deliver long-term employment, investment in infrastructure and skills and lasting benefits for local communities.

Strategic infrastructure

Devon’s ports and grid infrastructure provide a strong platform for clean energy development. Appledore and Plymouth support advanced manufacturing, logistics and vessel servicing. Turnchapel Wharf adds specialist capability for marine autonomy and innovation. Continued investment in port upgrades, transport links and grid reinforcement will enhance Devon’s role in delivering and supporting large-scale projects.

High-voltage grid connections and export capacity make Devon a key location for connecting clean energy projects to national and international markets. These connections also offer major advantages for energy-intensive industries looking to locate near low-carbon power.

Established and growing supply chain

Devon’s clean energy supply chain is well-established, with expertise in marine engineering, vessel construction and operations and maintenance. Alongside solar PV and onshore wind, local companies are increasingly engaging in floating offshore wind, hydrogen, clean maritime, geothermal and marine autonomous systems, supporting the development, fabrication and ongoing servicing of a variety of energy projects. Continued investment in skills, training programmes and business growth will enhance the region’s capacity to deliver large-scale energy projects at pace.

Investment-ready workforce

Devon is home to leading universities and colleges delivering clean energy skills, technical training and research. Institutions including the University of Plymouth, the University of Exeter, Petroc, South Devon College and City College Plymouth are actively supporting workforce development in offshore renewables, green fuels, advanced manufacturing and marine autonomy. Their programmes ensure a strong pipeline of talent for growing industries across the region.

Innovation in clean energy & advanced maritime technologies

Devon is at the forefront of innovation across the clean energy and maritime sectors. The region is advancing green hydrogen, biofuels, clean propulsion, geothermal energy and critical minerals, supporting the UK’s transition to a low-carbon economy. These sectors offer growing opportunities for technology development, investment and commercial deployment.

Simultaneously, Devon is building a national reputation for leadership in autonomous marine systems and digital maritime technologies. With strengths in uncrewed vessel operations, sensor integration, environmental data and digital twins, the region supports innovation across defence, offshore energy, environmental monitoring and marine cyber security.

Final page

Devon, Plymouth and Torbay are ready to lead the UK’s clean energy future. With rich renewable resources, strong supply chains and innovation in clean fuels and maritime technologies, the region offers real opportunity.

We welcome collaboration and investment to help build a thriving, zero carbon economy.

Devon has the ambition, expertise and assets to drive the UK’s clean energy transition and deliver long-term value for investors, industry and communities.

For more information or to discuss investment opportunities, please contact:

Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority
dtcca.contact@devon.gov.uk

Plymouth and South Devon Freeportinfo@pasdfreeport.com

Plymouth City Councilinvest@plymouth.gov.uk

Produced in collaboration with BVG Associates and Regen.