The North East has cemented its position as a world leader in the renewables sector with the opening a of a new £6.3m tech centre, business and civic leaders have declared.
The Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult has opened its new Technology Development Centre in Blyth, Northumberland, boosting opportunities across he region for innovation in the offshore renewables industry.
The multimillion-pound two-storey facility will provide testing, validation and demonstration for firms working on products and services to support the sector, adding to the range of services already available at ORE Catapult’s National Renewable Energy Centre in Northumberland.
The Technology Development Centre’s new kit on offer to companies include a 1MW drivetrain test rig to evaluate rotating machine components, and a mini electrical grid system where clients can test and certify the electrical compliance of their devices for any grid in the world.
It also has a 100kW test rig, for smaller scale subsystems and early-stage proof of concept work, as well as a laboratory to improve the longevity, reliability and performance of critical components working under extreme conditions.
The centre forms part of the Energy Central Campus, a partnership between ORE Catapult, Port of Blyth and Northumberland County Council which aims to support the clean energy sector by providing education, training, and pathways to employment in the local community.
ORE Catapult chief executive Steve Foxley said: “We’re excited to open this fantastic new testing facility in Blyth – providing scalable and expansive development space for the latest innovators ready to power the offshore renewable energy industry.
“The north east of England is already driving innovation and growth within the Ƶ’s offshore wind sector, and this facility will serve as a vital tool for companies to develop the latest cutting-edge technologies and solutions, helping the region stay at the forefront of the Ƶ’s journey towards achieving clean power by 2030.”
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “We now have even more great green energy jobs right here in the North East as this brilliant new facility opens its doors. It’s yet more proof we’re a world leader in this industry.
“Just a few months ago I officially opened the Energy Central Learning Hub in Blyth nearby. This is how we’re investing, not just in technology and innovation, but also in the skills our communities need to get jobs in green energy for decades to come. This is a turning point for our region, and it is crucial we continue to support and invest in facilities like this.”
The former paper storage shed and surrounding land was secured and converted with investment from the North East Combined Authority (£2m), the Blyth Town Deal (£2m), Innovate Ƶ (£1.3m) and ORE Catapult (£1m).
Dave Wilkes, director, innovation ecosystem at Innovate Ƶ, added: “For 12 years, Innovate Ƶ has supported the ORE Catapult in its mission to ensure that innovative Ƶ businesses are at the heart of global offshore renewable energy supply chains, as a vital part of the Ƶ’s journey to net zero. The investment in this new facility demonstrates the importance of the North East of England as a centre of excellence in this field of technology.”
