THIS afternoon five men from the North-East will tell the Government just why we deserve £1bn in energy research funding.

A team led by Newcastle University will explain that after centuries of heavy industry and the legacy it left behind, the North-East is now at the forefront of global efforts to tackle climate change.

And while the region already leads the way in this field, the consortium is eager to secure the jobs, research and authority that will come if picked to host the Energy Technologies Institute.

The £1bn ETI funding would make the North-East the UK’s official home of groundbreaking renewable energy research for the next decade.

It would attract scientists and businesses from across the world.

At 12.30pm today a consortium made up of representatives from Newcastle, Durham and Northumbria universities as well as the New and Renewable Energy Centre (NaREC) and the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) along with the head of One NorthEast make their case.

Civil servants from the Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills and business leaders who sponsor the ETI scheme will hear what the team believe is an overwhelming argument for the North-East.

Andrew Mills, CEO at NaREC, said the final presentation is the region’s chance to shine.

“This is where we really push our case. Today is our presentation to the ETI selection panel and that is our big chance to show what we can do.

“This is a critical point to show them just how passionately we are about energy research in the North-East.

“A successful bid would be recognition that the region is already, in effect, the centre of the UK for energy research, and one of the world’s leading locations.”

In August the North-East was shortlisted alongside two other teams from Scotland and the Midlands.

Chris Brink, Vice Chancellor at Newcastle University, insisted the region has the strongest bid of the three.

“I think we have an excellent bid, and to me as a newcomer this is a very impressive case to be putting before the Government and we stand a very good chance.

“To win would mean the recognition of the academic excellence we have here and show that Newcastle really is an outstanding location. What the city can offer is a combination of the two things the panel want to see, the people with the right background and skills and a place with the right quality of life to make it attractive. Some places have one or the other but we are quite exceptional in that we have both to offer.

“I have only been here a month or two but part of what brought me here was that there are areas in which Newcastle and the North-East are leading the way.

“For an institute of this nature to come here would be a tremendous achievement and great recognition of what we already do.”

The consortium are confident that the region goes into the final round as a strong favourite.

Prof Kel Fidler, Vice-chancellor of Northumbria University said: “The North-East abounds with activity in energy technology – in our industries and in our universities. With all the other attractions of our region – amenities, facilities, coast and countryside, I believe we are a natural choice for a base for the ETI.”

As well as Mr Brink and Mr Mills the consortium making the trip to London includes Alan Clarke, chief executive of One NorthEast, Bob Coxon from the CPI and Professor Paul Younger from Newcastle University.

The Government’s decision will be announced in October.

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