ENERGY CENTRAL CAMPUS TO RECEIVE MULTI-MILLION POUND INVESTMENT TO LEAD NORTH EAST'S GREEN ENERGY REVOLUTION

The North East Combined Authority (NECA) has approved in principle a transformative multi-million-pound investment to create thousands of green energy jobs at two key sites in the region.

One of the key sites identified is the Energy Central Campus (ECC) in Blyth. The Energy Central Campus is a partnership between the Port of Blyth, Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult and Northumberland County Council. The board is represented by prominent industry employers and academic institutions, including RWE, JDR Cables, and Equinor, as well as Durham University and Newcastle University.

The NECA cabinet pledged £5.5m to complete the funding package for the Energy Central Institute (ECI) the second phase of ECC. The ECI will be a new higher-level skills and innovation facility located in Blyth’s town centre. Working with two leading Universities – Durham and Newcastle – and the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, the ECI is set to develop energy sector expertise at degree and PhD levels. The facility will serve as a central hub for collaboration, ensuring the region remains at the forefront of energy sector growth.

The ECI offers a ‘next step’ for learners progressing from the recently opened Energy Central Learning Hub on the Blyth Quayside. By offering advanced training and qualifications, the ECI establishes a clear pathway to employment in the clean energy sector, capitalising on the thriving supply chain of clean energy companies operating within and around the Port of Blyth and across the wider region. Similarly, the partnership of ECI, Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, Durham and Newcastle University will provide a world-class platform for clean energy sector research and innovation.

Speaking on the transformative potential of this investment, Martin Lawlor OBE, Chair of Energy Central Campus, 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."

Tony Quinn, Deputy Chair of Energy Central Campus and Technology Development Director at Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, said: “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.”

Professor Jane Robinson, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Engagement & Place at Newcastle University, said: “We are thrilled to be a key partner in the Energy Central Institute and to see the region take such a significant step towards leading the global green energy revolution. At Newcastle University, we are committed to providing advanced education and research that will equip the next generation of skilled professionals to meet the demands of the offshore renewable energy sector. Through the Energy Central Institute, we will help bridge the gap between academic excellence and industry needs, ensuring the region has the talent and expertise to drive the growth of this vital sector.”

Dr Shaid Mahmood, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) at Durham University, said: “North East England is a world leader in the green energy revolution and has significant innovation and supply chain capability in offshore wind through OREC, the Energy Central Campus and the expertise of our Universities. At Durham University we have established research and innovation relationships with leading developers and businesses and have been pleased to be a partner of Energy Central Campus, helping to drive future offshore wind sector growth as one of the region’s leading industrial opportunities. We know that both immediate skills needs and the future talent pipeline are critical to ongoing success and are delighted to be able to support the development of the Energy Central Institute and to bring our teaching, professional development and student placement programmes into place as part of this consortium.”

Cllr Glen Sanderson, North East Combined Authority Cabinet Member for Environment, Coast, and Rural and Leader of Northumberland County Council said: “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.”

The North East Investment Zone spans the region, from County Durham to Northumberland, with a specific focus on offshore and renewable energy, electric vehicles, battery technology, and associated low-carbon manufacturing.

These projects are expected to generate extensive supply chain and employment opportunities for businesses and residents, securing the North East's position as a manufacturing and green energy powerhouse.

The NECA cabinet met at County Hall in Morpeth on November 26 to recommend in-principle approval for the £5.5m funding. This decision marks a major milestone in the region's journey toward sustainable growth and economic transformation.

Energy Central Campus is one of the flagship projects of Energising Blyth, a £95m regeneration programme to grow, renew, and connect the town. The programme is being delivered by Northumberland County Council and funded in partnership with the UK Government, Northumberland County Council, North East Combined Authority and support from other partners.