DELEGATES gathered in the North East for a green energy conference.

The International Small Wind Conference was held at The Sage Gateshead last week. The region was chosen to host the conference and exhibition because of its reputation as a wind energy hub.

Jessica Roberts, head of business tourism at Newcastle Gateshead Convention Bureau, said: “Hosting a major conference such as the International Small Wind conference is an ideal way to reinforce NewcastleGateshead’s credentials in the field of new and renewable energies.

“Developments such as Newcastle University’s geothermal borehole at Science Central and the growth of the offshore energy industry along the North East coast demonstrate that this is an area where North East England really can lead the world.”

Renewable UK, the professional body for the UK wind and marine renewables industries, expects the number of small turbines across the UK to increase from 15,000 to over 600,000 by 2020.

The trend for wind technology is expected to grow as a result of the Feed in Tariffs (FiTs) introduced by the Government.

The payments will be made for electricity that is sold back to the national grid.

Farmers and landowners are expected to lead the way but schools, councils and businesses are increasingly showing interest.

Renewable UK’s small wind systems manager, Indre Vaizgelaite said: “The number of people expressing a keen interest in installing small wind turbines has been growing fast.

“There’s never been a better time to get involved, as there are a number of attractive financial incentives on offer to help those who want to do something practical to generate green energy.”