Devon County Council, North Devon Council, North Devon Plus, Plymouth City Council, Torbay Council and Torridge District Council have jointly launched the Devon Energy Prospectus, setting out the region’s bold ambitions and extensive investment opportunities in clean energy.
Councillor Julian Brazil, Vice Chair of the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority (DTCCA) said:
“With the UK government targeting a rapid transition from fossil fuels to domestic clean energy, Devon is well-positioned to lead. The region offers one of the UK’s strongest regional platforms for clean energy growth, combining a robust supply chain, strategic infrastructure, and world-class expertise to deliver at scale.”
Councillor Ken James, Leader of Torridge District Council and member of the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority (DTCCA) Board said:
“With an economy worth £31.5 billion and a population of over 1.2 million, Devon has the scale and capacity to deliver clean energy infrastructure at pace. We’re working in partnership across the region to attract investment, create jobs, and strengthen energy security, bringing real benefits to our local communities through cleaner energy and sustainable investment.”
The prospectus highlights Devon’s leadership in floating offshore wind (FLOW), with the White Cross project in North Devon set to become the region’s first FLOW development after recently receiving full planning consent. Work is expected to begin on the cable in 2027, and on the wind farm in 2028. The 100 MW project will power nearly 135,000 homes and serve as a catalyst for larger Celtic Sea developments.
Devon’s strengths in FLOW include:
- Marine engineering – a robust network of organisations with advanced engineering, manufacturing and assembly expertise to support component fabrication.
- 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.
- Skills and workforce– strong training programmes in 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.
Devon is well positioned to play a major role in the UK’s energy transition. The region is home to other emerging clean energy opportunities.
Councillor David Thomas, Chair of the DTCCA, said:
“This prospectus shows the scale of opportunity for clean energy investment throughout Devon. With over 146 MW of operational onshore wind and billions of pounds of potential investment in projects like Celtic Sea FLOW, we’re ready to work with government, industry and investors to realise this potential.”
Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council, added:
“This is a turning point for Plymouth and the wider Devon region. Clean energy isn’t just an environmental imperative – it’s a massive opportunity to reshape our economy, spark innovation, and create high-quality jobs for the future. We’re proud to be part of a bold, collaborative vision that puts our coastal strengths, engineering talent, and research excellence to work powering the UK’s energy transition.”
The Devon Energy Prospectus also outlines opportunities in solar, green hydrogen, geothermal energy, and critical minerals, supported by a growing clean energy supply chain and a skilled, innovation ready workforce.