Green innovation driving energy sector in North

Oct 14 2009 by Mark Stephenson, The Journal

IT is no exaggeration to suggest that we are undergoing a green industrial revolution here in the North East, an expansion of the culture of enterprise and innovation that will drive and reward development in the energy sector.

This is what will transport us from a carbon dependent global economy, to a carbon efficient global economy.

It is estimated that the manufacture of wind turbines alone in the North East will generate (no pun intended) between 15,000 and 30,000 jobs and businesses up and down the supply chain from this industry will reap the benefits. The North East is ideally placed to be a pioneer in the manufacturing, testing and building of wind turbines.

However, the North East is also well placed to lead in other technologies such as carbon capture and storage (CCS), combined heat and power (CHP), energy from waste, electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cells.

Businesses are investing in the North East for three principal reasons. One; we have a reliable, hardworking, and skilled workforce. Two; the North East has a unique set of geographical assets such as deep rivers and ports, a stretch of coastline with offshore wind potential, and rich mineral deposits, that make it an ideal place to generate energy or market energy related goods and services. Three; the North East can already boast an infrastructure base that is capable of meeting the large scale needs of energy producers and their related markets.

There is a daunting task facing policy makers and businesses throughout the region who seek to profit from this in the face of competition from both inside and outside the North East, and competition will not be in short supply as businesses around the world seek to capitalise on an industry that is estimated to be worth in excess of $3 trillion globally by 2050.

There are also structural problems that can only be resolved with a robust policy framework around issues such as planning and regulation. It is vital also that there is an increase in the general level of awareness regarding this sector among businesses, the public, and the media.

The North East Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with Eversheds, has set up an Energy Policy Working Group to help assess the challenges and opportunities facing the energy sector in the North East of England. The group has advised on a draft Energy Policy Paper which will be discussed at a consultation event we are holding at Durham County Cricket Club on Friday October 16.

The event will shape a final policy report that will be published in order to help inform better policy and ultimately help to unlock growth in the vital sector of our economy.

:: For further details about the report or the event contact the NECC events team; events@necc.co.uk  or tel. 03003 036 322.

Mark Stephenson is policy adviser at the North East Chamber of Commerce