Region forges links on energy

Jun 13 2009 The Journal

WORD of the Great North Revolution has already begun to spread around the world. The North East’s green energy expertise has been showcased on the global stage at the European Future Energy Forum in Bilbao, Spain, this week.

The three-day conference – sister event to the World Future Energy Summit in January next year – brought together 5,000 policy makers and experts from around the world to speed the transition towards a global low-carbon economy.

A North East delegation led by regeneration agency One North East, and including Centre for Process Innovation, the Science and Industry Council and the Blyth-based New and Renewable Energy Centre (NaREC) discussed strategic links with conference hosts Masdar.

One North East’s head of strategic economic change, Chris Pywell, said: “Energy is a key strength of the region and we have great opportunities in areas such as offshore wind, electric vehicles and low-carbon communities.

“The region’s growing international leadership is now being increasingly recognised.

“The conference has been the perfect platform to gather intelligence, identify new opportunities and share examples of how the region is leading the way in this sector.”

Masdar is Abu Dhabi’s multi-faceted and multi-billion initiative in the development and commercialisation of renewable energy and sustainable technology.

Mr Pywell said delegates clearly recognised the value of the North East’s offshore wind testing facilities, including Masdar.