Maintaining progress in alternative energy sector

Nov 26 2009 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

THE fast-growing North East alternative energy sector has been given a further £2m to encourage businesses to develop ground-breaking products.

Blyth’s New and Renewable Energy Centre (Narec) will benefit from the additional cash and it says it hopes some of the money will be used to attract hi-tech energy companies into the area from the across the UK and the rest of the world.

Narec hopes the cash, £1.49m from regional development agency One North East and £502,000 the European Union, will assist over 100 companies and help create 40 jobs in this sector.

The £2.4m will support a programme that allows new and established companies to use laboratory, marketing, hot-desking and testing facilities at Narec’s Blyth base.

Companies which have already benefited from this programme include marine energy firm Evopod and Northumberland’s Applied Superconductor, which has become the first firm of its kind to install its ground-breaking electrical device into a commercial supply network.

As well as North East companies Narec wants to bring national and international energy companies to the region.

Andy Williamson, director of business development at Narec said: “Narec is the UK’s lead centre for the testing and development of renewable energy technology and provides a wide range of specialist consultancy to encourage early stage companies and university spin-outs to enter the market. The provision of specialist business support will continue to attract international investors through the development of a North East technology hub for clean technology.

“We will offer a bespoke package of technology support to potential businesses from each of these avenues, leading to the generation and growth of a hub of energy technology companies in the region.”

One North East chief executive Alan Clarke said: “This project will help the region maintain and exploit its position to be an early leader in forming clusters of energy technology companies. Our intention is that Narec becomes a magnet for further investment opportunities, with energy businesses feeding off each other and bringing sustainable growth to the sector.”

Mr Williamson added: “Our focus will be on low carbon renewable energy technologies and closely aligned support service companies with potential for commercialisation and growth.

“Incubator space will be provided to new or developing energy technology companies through the Charles Parson’s Technology Centre and Brunel Building.

“This will allow the continued facilitation of financial structuring, business plan development, commercial negotiations and Intellectual Property rights, as well as access to market intelligence and networks.”