FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

Find out more about The Clean Maritime Innovation Centre

1. What benefits will the Centre bring to the local community?

The project creates genuine economic benefits across the community, generating opportunities for future generations.

It brings with it high quality, well-paid jobs, inspiring our young people in the process. But it is also about careers for all - building a sustainable economy which is less dependent on seasonal, low-paid roles.

Thinking about our young people, we are collaborating with schools and colleges across the region to make sure we are supporting young people to have the right skills to be able to access these future jobs. These proposals will see colleges being able to offer a wider range of maritime-focused courses. We are also working with both primary and secondary schools to build teaching materials and engaging units to help young people to thrive and have the option to stay locally and work in meaningful, high-impact employment.

2. How is the project being funded?

The project has been awarded £15.6m of funding from the Levelling Up Fund issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. The project was developed to support the levelling up agenda - providing investment to support jobs and economic growth in an area which has been left behind, whilst also stimulating skills improvement and helping to deliver on Net Zero objectives.

3. Why Maritime?

Clean innovation in the maritime sector is crucial to the UK's zero-emissions targets. Shipping as an industry is responsible for 2.5% of the current global emissions, and we are keen for northern Devon to be at the heart of the future clean propulsion industry, whilst the Floating Offshore Wind proposals in the Celtic Sea also offer a range of growth areas.

To be successful it requires collaborative global leading research and development alongside businesses who are prepared to make a real impact. Appledore has been pivotal to the UK's maritime sector in the past. The proposed centre places the area's proud heritage firmly at the heart of its future!

4. What is the 'Blue' economy?

The sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs, and ocean ecosystem health. The activities commonly understood to represent the blue economy include maritime shipping, fishing and aquaculture, coastal tourism, renewable energy, water desalination, undersea cabling, seabed extractive industries and deep-sea mining, marine genetic resources, and biotechnology.

5. What does CLEAN mean?

It is all about reducing emissions to keep the planet in a sustainable climate. At the same time as keeping our population healthy - air pollutants can cause health problems. Clean energy aims to bring a true impact on the world!

7. What is FLOW?

Floating offshore wind (FLOW) is a fast-growing renewable energy resource. It enables wind turbines to operate in deeper seas, where the winds are stronger.

The proposal for at least 4GW (that's enough to power about three million homes.) will be sixty miles from Appledore in the Celtic Sea and will not be visible from dry land. The Celtic Sea is one of the best potential sites in Europe for FLOW. The Appledore Clean Maritime Innovation Centre will provide research and development opportunities for the work and to explore further benefits through other "Blue" economic partners.

FLOW will play a significant part in the global fight against climate change. The UK Government wants to see 40GW of (FLOW) offshore wind capacity by 2030. We want to make sure that as many of those benefits are felt by people in Torridge and northern Devon. The Appledore Clean Maritime Innovation Centre will really anchor those activities in the region, stimulating further jobs.

8. How do I get my business involved and find out more?

Please contact Chris Fuller, Torridge District Council's Economic Development Officer, to find out more details about the proposed centre and to see how your business might benefit and be at the front of the queue! Please e-mail on Chris.fuller@torridge.gov.uk