North East England

The North East Energy sector, valued at £900m, is set to grow over the next 10 years as it strengthens its position as a UK hub for renewable energy and a key player in the low carbon economy.

As a major centre for fossil fuels with years of oil reserves still being tapped in the North Sea, the North East Energy sector has adapted to encompass renewable sources such as offshore wind, wave and solar power, photovoltaic cells, heat pump technology and biomass boilers.

Indeed it has taken a lead in developing innovative new technologies with the New and Renewable Energy Centre (Narec) in Northumberland being recognised as the UK’s leading centre for research and development, offering world-class testing facilities for a range of projects in wind, wave and tidal power.

"The North East can now boast the world’s largest offshore wind turbine complex as well as the UK's biggest biomass power station, at Wilton International, Tees Valley."

With 20% of the country’s energy targeted to come from renewables by 2010, the North East is well placed to take advantage of many lucrative business opportunities and ‘Green Agenda’ investment. The new wind turbine manufacturing facility planned for the north bank of the river Tyne is a prime example.

Businesses in the renewable sector are many and varied such as Subsea engineering firm SMD Hydrovision, Clipper Windpower, AMEC Wind Energy and Romag, a leading glass processor in the solar PV market.

Clipper Windpower has announced the building of its new offshore wind turbine blade manufacturing facility at the Shepherd Offshore Renewable Energy Park in Newcastle. Expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2010, the factory is expected to employ a local workforce in excess of 500.

There are also opportunities within the buoyant nuclear sector, which encompasses plant life extension, decommissioning, new build and technology.

Professions include: civil engineers, quality controllers, IT professionals, research & development technicians and production operatives.

Just over half of the graduates that go into the energy sector have degrees in science, technology, engineering or maths.

Valued qualifications include NVQ level 3 or above, BTEC/HNC in and the new 14-19 Engineering diplomas.