Work starts on £25 million green energy skills hub

A £25 million energy sector training hub has moved a step closer.

Ground has been officially broken on the Energy Central Institute.

Set for Blyth town centre, in Northumberland, officials say it will bolster skills development and deliver the clean energy workers of tomorrow.

Earmarked to open in late 2027, they add it will create a “new hub for education and collaboration… by developing expertise at degree and PhD level”, and boost collaboration between energy businesses, the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult and Newcastle and Durham universities.

The venture – which is being built by Kier and project managed by Advance Northumberland, and is part of the wider Energy Central Campus endeavour – is overseen by Port of Blyth, Northumberland County Council and the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult.

It will complement the Port of Blyth-based Energy Central Learning Hub, which has delivered STEM education and vocational training to thousands of learners since 2024.

Martin Lawlor, Energy Central Campus chair and Port of Blyth chief executive; Councillor Glen Sanderson, leader of Northumberland County Council; and Blyth and Ashington MP Ian Lavery marked the official start of work with learners set to benefit from the hub.

Martin said: “This is an exciting milestone.

“By creating a clear pathway from early STEM engagement through to degree and PhD level, we can help more people build the skills they need to take advantage of the opportunities on their doorstep and build successful careers.”

Victoria Gilbert, Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult director of operations, added: “We’re very proud to call Blyth our home, and we are continuing to invest in the future of our world-class facility in the town.

“By working closely with our Energy Central partners, we’re committed to playing our part in unlocking opportunities for young people across the region to develop pathways to future careers in driving innovation within the offshore wind sector.”

The Energy Central Institute forms part of the wider £95 million Energising Blyth regeneration scheme, which is being delivered by Northumberland County Council and is backed by the Government, the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority and further partners.

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