North East LEP publishes Energy for Growth strategy

The North East Local Enterprise Partnership has taken a step forward in its mission to drive economic growth in the North East with the publication of the Energy for Growth strategy.

The strategy’s aim is to bring sector partners together to deliver at scale on the UK’s national energy strategy.

The energy sector has been identified as an area of strategic importance for the North East, with the potential to bring investment and jobs to the region.

Andrew Clark, energy programme lead at the North East LEP, said: “We’ve been consulting with cross-sector partners across the North East with an interest in the energy agenda to develop the Energy for Growth strategy, and bring stakeholders together to capitalise on the North East’s significant strengths and opportunities in this area.”

Energy for Growth identifies 13 themes, ranging from low-emission transport to heat networks and geothermal energy, where the North East can be a key player in national energy policy.

It also outlines three distinct workstreams which will be used to build and support a pipeline of forthcoming projects.

Andrew Clark added: “One of these workstreams is offshore energy, focusing on supporting the North East’s world-leading strengths and supply chain operating in this arena. Another is around regional energy projects, where delivery of energy projects at scale in the North East can help solve national challenges.

“As the UK builds on its clean growth commitments, the North East is in an important position to be the partner of choice for industry and government when it comes to testing, developing and delivering new energy technologies and solutions.

“Potential growth of the UK low carbon economy is estimated at 11 per cent, per year between 2015 and 2030 – four times faster than the rest of the economy – and this is an area where we can make a real difference with our comprehensive regional capabilities.”