A TESTING facility in Northumberland is in the running for a slice of a £200m funding pot after the Government announced a competition to create a new UK offshore renewable energy centre of excellence.

The National Centre for Renewable Energy, NaREC, in Blyth, said it would be bidding for designation as the latest technology and innovation centre (TIC).

The Government has underscored its commitment to the green economy with the launch of a competition to form an offshore renewable energy TIC.

The new centre will focus on technologies for offshore wind, wave and tidal power.

The Government has committed more than £200m over the next four years to establish an elite network of at least six technology and innovation centres.

The centres allow businesses to access equipment and expertise to help them commercialise new and emerging technology – and will help them capture a share of the global market.

Business secretary Vince Cable said: “The UK is a world leader in offshore engineering and our reputation makes us an excellent location for research in this area.

“In creating an Offshore Renewable Energy technology and innovation centre we are taking the next step to transforming the UK into a low carbon economy. There is a clear opportunity for the Government to support the UK’s offshore industry and this centre will be of great benefit to the sector and the economy.