Partner Article

North East to lead renewables boom

The North East’s development agency went to London this week to shout about the region’s renewable energy plans.

One NorthEast announced plans to offer £4.5m of support for the development of the North East offshore wind industry in a presentation to industry leaders and politicians at the British Wind Energy Association’s annual conference.

Part of new One NorthEast funding will enable the New and Renewable Energy Centre (NaREC), at Blyth, Northumberland, bolster its Wind Business Unit which focuses on supply chain development in the North East.

One NorthEast Director of Business and Industry, Ian Williams, said: “The new funding will not only support businesses already thriving in the region, but also help attract further investment from major wind turbine manufacturers and their supply chains, which could lever in potential investment in the millions.

“The BWEA is an important energy conference to promote the strengths of our offer and we have been encouraged by the extremely positive comments that energy industry experts have made about the North east’s potential in the sector.”

The support package plans to involve the region’s universities, colleges and other partners in the development of products and services for this new market.

“This funding will also ensure greater links between research facilities, universities in particular, and the private sector, as NaREC works with the research community to commercialise their technologies,” added Ian Williams. “Indeed, discussions are already underway with regional universities and colleges about the possibility of creating a centre for renewable marine engineering technology in the region.

“In the current global economic climate, renewables is one of the key growth sectors. The region is at the heart of new and renewable energy development and this funding will only further bolster our growing reputation as a UK hub for marine energy technology.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .