The NPA area is undoubtedly rich in many renewable energy resources. However the form and extent of these resources vary considerably throughout the region. While these differences may be clear at national levels they also exist at more local levels as well and, as a result, areas within the NPA region will have very different technological requirements for the effective utilisation of renewable energy resources.

The WP5 activities are guided by four objectives, as follows:

• To identify technologies with the potential to generate new business models in regions where renewable energy is less developed (match local technologies to local resource availability).
• To assess the technology readiness levels of new technologies.
• To assess the appropriateness of the existing technologies to contribute to the development of sustainable renewable energy business models.
• To support possible new entrants to the renewable energy sector by providing methodologies for the identification and quantification of locally available natural resources.

Activities 5.1 and 5.2 will identify and promote appropriate renewable energy technologies (including energy storage options) for the region. Resource assessment is a key factor in ensuring the effective and sustainable exploitation of locally available renewable energy resources. Activity 5.3 will provide a methodology for the identification and quantification of suitable renewable energy resources within a geographical region of interest.

Activity 1: Identification of Key Technologies This activity will focus on three key work areas; Identification of key areas (sectors, industries and geographical areas) where energy requirements are being met by non-renewable resources, or where emerging businesses require new energy sources and are considering fossil fuel based energy systems; Identification of relevant technologies, including energy storage, taking into account market penetration and risk; The technologies identified will include the geographically most relevant solutions based on Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) varying from 7 (tested and demonstration) to the 9 (proven in an operational environment).

Activity 2: Exemplar technology solutions.  In many regions of the NPA, renewable energy resources are not being effectively exploited because their resources are quite different from those traditionally exploited within ‘local’ areas. This activity seeks to address this by the assessment of a range of renewable energy technologies to determine their transferability to areas where renewable energy resources are not widely exploited. In doing so, a number of case studies will be developed which will exemplify how, through the proper identification of appropriate and scaled technological solutions, renewable energy resources in each partner region, can meet the demands of energy markets. The technology case studies will be informed by ongoing engagement with technology providers and other relevant stakeholders.

Activity 3: Develop a methodology for resource assessment.  In transitioning to a low carbon society it is imperative that new business opportunities are developed around renewable energy resources. Additionally, in many cases it is desirable that resources should be geographically close to energy use. Communities and SMEs should therefore carefully consider local energy availability and the possibilities for development of businesses around these.  Energy resource assessments are key to gaining a firm understanding of both the resources available and assessing the ability of these resources to supply energy (both in terms of absolute quantity and ensuring a constant supply). In many cases it is unlikely, and probably undesirable, that any one resource can meet the energy demand of any area. This activity will use methodologies developed at the ERI to produce a practical toolkit which will allow resource assessments at a variety of scales (local to national).