Blyth’s Energy Central Campus secures funding boost

A transformative multi-million-pound investment is set to drive the North East’s green energy ambitions, creating thousands of jobs and cementing the region’s role as a “world leader” in the green energy revolution.

The North East Combined Authority (NECA) has pledged £5.5 million towards the Energy Central Institute (ECI), the second phase of the Energy Central Campus (ECC) in Blyth. 

A partnership involving the Port of Blyth, Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult and Northumberland County Council, the ECC aims to bolster skills, innovation and research in the energy sector, “creating real opportunities” and helping “form the renewables workforce of the future” by “bridging the gap between academic excellence and industry needs”.

Martin Lawlor OBE, chair of ECC, said: “Energy Central Campus is creating real opportunities for our region. 

“This investment will ensure individuals can access the training and skills needed to secure well-paid, sustainable jobs right here in Blyth. 

“The Energy Central Institute is an excellent example of how universities and industry can work together to address the challenges of the future by equipping students with the skills and expertise needed for a rapidly evolving energy sector.”

The ECI, located in Blyth’s town centre, will work with Durham and Newcastle Universities to offer advanced training and qualifications, offering a ‘next step’ for learners progressing from the recently opened Energy Central Learning Hub on the Blyth Quayside. 

It will also foster collaboration among industry giants such as RWE, JDR Cables and Equinor, creating a talent pipeline for the burgeoning green energy supply chain operating within and around the Port of Blyth and across the wider region. 

Tony Quinn, deputy chair of ECC and technology development director at Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, added: “We are delighted to have secured the support and funding from the North East Combined Authority for the Energy Central Institute. 

“Reaching this milestone is testament to the commitment and effort of all our partners in what will be a strategically important initiative for the region. 

“As a landmark skills and innovation facility, it will not only serve both students and industry in helping to form the renewables workforce of the future but will also forge new and productive relationships with academia locally and support much needed applied research activity from right here in Blyth.”

Part of the £95 million Energising Blyth regeneration programme, the ECC is positioned within the North East Investment Zone, which focuses on offshore and renewable energy, electric vehicles, battery technology and associated low-carbon manufacturing.

This initiative promises significant economic benefits, generating extensive supply chain and employment opportunities, while reinforcing the North East’s reputation as a manufacturing and green energy “powerhouse”.

Councillor Glen Sanderson, North East Combined Authority Cabinet member for environment, coast, and rural and leader of Northumberland County Council, added: “The Energy Central Campus in Blyth is crucial to our ambitions in green energy and offshore. 

“The Energy Central Institute will be at the cutting-edge in terms of providing the training and skills needed for the jobs being created by the renewable energy boom. 

“It shows our absolute commitment to becoming world leaders in this field. The potential is there. 

“We’ve seen similar initiatives both in the North East and elsewhere show the ability to attract several times the initial public investment in private sector funding.”

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