Blyth gets a buzz from renewable energy celebration

Aug 18 2010 by The Journal

A TWO-day festival held to celebrate how renewable energy can affect people’s lives has been hailed a success by organisers.

Thousands of people attended the event last weekend, which was held in Blyth to mark the town’s growing reputation as a centre of excellence for renewables technology.

Organised by the Port of Blyth and Northumberland County Council, the festival included the launch of a new electric vehicle, a visit by the Russian tall ship Mir and a renewables village showcasing Blyth’s National Renewables Energy Centre and other green companies.

Representatives from Newcastle University and Northumberland College were also on hand to give advice about how the skills needed by the renewables sector are being nurtured in the region.

Council leader Jeff Reid said: “The festival proved to be a great success in communicating the role of green energy in a fun and accessible way.”

Port chief executive Martin Lawlor added: “It showcased the growing cluster of renewable energy organisations around the estuary which are creating new jobs and development.”