1. www.pol.ac.uk ENERGY DAY Tuesday 23 rd June 2009 Andrew J Willmott Director Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory

2. Setting the scene The Climate Change Act 2008 demands an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions below a 1990 baseline by 2050 EU has a binding target of deriving 20% of energy from renewables by 2020 In the UK only 1.78% of energy used in the UK was derived from renewable sources Land constraints in the UK favour “wet renewables” (e.g. wind, tidal and wave)

3. The role for NERC Science in Energy The current NERC strategy is centred around 7 science themes Three of the themes will broadly focus on how will our use of natural resources impact on freshwater, terrestrial and marine systems and, in turn, feedback on the atmosphere The themes are Sustainable Use of Natural Resources (SUNR), Natural Hazards (NH) and Biodiversity (BIO) Round 2 of the Theme Action Plans contain proposed research investments and are currently under review by SISB, to be followed by Council

4. Research Programmes 2009-2012

5. Offshore and Coastal Renewable Energy To examine holistically the potential benefits and risks of marine renewable developments for the sustainable use of natural resources, and the implications for coastal hazards and for enhancing biodiversity Focus on UK shelf defined by EEZ Potential for enhancing biodiversity (designer reefs, MPAs) Risks of enhanced coastal erosion Likely start FY 11/12 running for 3 years

6. Marine Algal Bioenergy (SUNR lead) To understand the opportunities and risks to marine ecosystems of using biomass as a source of renewable energy What are the environmental implications of “harvesting the oceans”? FY 11/12 likely start date

7. Environmental implications of resource use in the Arctic To develop an integrated, quantitative understanding of the environmental implications of the use of Arctic natural resources (e.g. oil, gas, minerals and bio-resources) A cross-theme initiative that is under development

8. Climate change impacts High resolution modelling of climate change impacts for improved understanding of the implications for natural resources (e.g. changing water cycle) A cross-theme initiative that is under development

9. www.pol.ac.uk Thank you for your attention Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory Joseph Proudman Building 6 Brownlow Street, Liverpool L3 5DA UK Tel: +44 (0)151 795 4800 enquiries@pol.ac.uk