£16.8 million push to power green energy sector

A major investment aims to propel the North East's green energy sector, creating thousands of skilled jobs and bolstering innovation in key industries.

The North East Combined Authority is set to approve £16.8 million in funding for transformative projects at NETPark in County Durham and Blyth’s Energy Central Campus. 

These projects form part of the £160 million North East Investment Zone (NEIZ), which stretches from County Durham in the South to Northumberland in the North and includes sites in Newcastle, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Gateshead and Sunderland, targeting growth in renewable energy, electric vehicles and advanced manufacturing, while aiming to unlock £3 billion in private investment over the next decade.

Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “The North East is a manufacturing powerhouse, with a proud heritage, and our investments are unlocking jobs and training for local people in the industries of the future.

“From battery technology to green energy, we're playing a leading role in the creating prosperity and opportunity for our region and nation, whilst ensuring people in the North East can enjoy a well-paid job where they have live, rather than leaving us to secure decent work.

"I'm determined to attract more investment for local people in the North East, and we're getting on with the job."

At NETPark, £11.3 million will unlock Phase 3 of the £100 million science and technology hub, providing 14 innovation units and a 158,000 sq ft commercial space, supporting 750 direct and indirect jobs. Meanwhile, Blyth’s Energy Central Campus will receive £5.5 million to complete the Energy Central Institute, a research and training facility addressing skills gaps in offshore and renewable energy.

Both projects exemplify NEIZ's focus on advancing green energy, supporting local supply chains and enhancing the region’s role as a renewable energy leader. The Combined Authority's cabinet will review the proposals on November 26.

Cllr Michael Mordey, North East Combined Authority cabinet member for finance and investment and leader of Sunderland City Council, added: “These are exciting times for the North East.

“Advanced manufacturing and green industries include some of the fastest growing industries globally and we have real strengths in electric vehicle and battery production, offshore and renewable energy alongside space and satellite technologies here in the region.

“This investment in the critical infrastructure and enabling works as well as in specialist training – and most importantly the job creation this will lead to – will continue to place the North East firmly on the map as the destination of choice for key investments from companies of all sizes seeking to set up home or expand operations in the region in these key sectors.”

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