The North East has secured two new renewable energy hubs.
The Centres for Offshore Renewable Engineering signal a welcome boost to manufacturing in the North East, arriving as part of the government’s £5bn infrastructure plan.
The Government has designated five sites in the UK as Centres for Offshore Renewable Engineering (COREs) and published a document outlining plans to take this forward. There are to be two COREs in the North East, one each on the River Tyne and the River Tees.
Although the plans were not announced as part of the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, the announcement will strengthen the government’s aim of investing in the manufacturing industry further.
The North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) has welcomed news that the region has been awarded the two centres.
NECC chief executive, James Ramsbotham said: “CORE status is a commitment from the Government to support the growth in offshore manufacturing in the North East. This recognition of the engineering skills and ambition in the region and the enhanced status that a CORE will bring will help both the River Tyne and Tees stand out commercially.
Mr Ramsbotham added: “Hopefully further support will be available as both of the CORE areas overlap with the newly announced Enterprise Zones, which enjoy benefits such as capital allowances and business rates tax relief.”
