Our Supporters
A wide range of organisations, groups and individuals offered support for the bid.
Read about further support from:
"I am writing as Chairman of the Northern Way Steering Group, to reinforce the support of the wider North of England for the North East England Consortium bid to host the Energy Technologies Institute.
The Northern Way is a unique partnership of the regions of the North of England as a whole, led by the three northern RDAs with the support of the private sector and local government leaders. I want in particular to highlight the potential importance of the ETI to the wider North – reaching beyond the North East to exploit the wide range of opportunities for technological development in the energy field across the North West , Yorkshire and the Humber as well as the North East. We regard the ETI as one of the most exciting developments for a generation, in supporting innovation and technological progress and to ensure greater sustainability of our economy.
The development of a strong infrastructure to support technological progress and innovation is a crucial underpinning of the Northern Way 's strategy to raise the sustainable growth rate of the North, towards that of more prosperous regions. Since our original growth strategy was published in 2004, we have initiated and supported new collaborations between the cities and regions of the North, including the N8 Group of Research-Intensive Universities who have separately expressed their support for the North East ETI bid.
I can also reassure you that an ETI based in the North East would find a strong partner in the Northern Way, and that we would look to support its work in whatever ways we could. We are currently developing a forward strategy to support innovation across the North, supported by a policy development, research and evaluation strategy in which we've highlighted the importance of sustainability and energy policy to the Northern regions. This includes work with the OECD, in concert with the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform." Neville Chamberlain CBE, Chairman, The Northern Way
"North East England is striving to become one of the world's first carbon neutral regions. Newcastle University's Devonshire Building is leading the way in showing the world what can be done to minimise carbon emissions. As such it would make a most appropriate headquarters for the Energy Technologies Institute.” Right Honourable Nick Brown MP, Minister for the North East of England.
"I am a German Liberal MEP on the European Parliament Industry, Research and Energy Committee and I visited North East England in 2006 to speak at a biofuels seminar in Durham . I am happy to support North East England's bid. North East England is best suited to be the centre for the ETI because it is the heart of the UK 's bioenergy scene." Dr Jorgo Chatzimarkakis (Member of the European Parliament)
"The region is experiencing unprecedented economic growth and science, technology and innovation are at the heart of this growth. " Margaret Fay OBE, Chairman of One NorthEast.
"The Science & Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality (STCSM) launched cooperation with One NorthEast five years ago, with energy top of the list of joint research topics. Cooperation in a Clean Energy Strategy research programme is now a long-standing joint project between Newcastle and Shanghai , with research teams from universities in both regions cooperating successfully. Some of the results are already being used by stakeholders, not only in the field of science and research, but also in business development and environment protection.
Our scientists and senior engineers now have a great understanding of the mature expertise and advanced technologies available in North East England, especially in clean energy production and management, and sustainable development of the chemical industry. Shanghai and North East England will certainly devote our best efforts to fulfil the mission set by the China-UK national level Memorandum of Understanding on Clean Coal Technology. We truly hope the North East will win the bid to host the ETI, in which event STCSM will support related joint-research projects ." YuZheng JIANG, Programme Officer, International Cooperation Department, Science & Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality, China
"The North East would prove to be an excellent choice to host the Institute, and I wish your presentation and bid every success." Cllr John Shipley, Leader of Newcastle City Council
"Yorkshire Forward strongly supports the North East Consortium's bid to host the ETI as part of our Northern Way partnership. If they were to be successful we would be keen to play as active a role in its activities as possible." Tom Riordan, Chief Executive, Yorkshire Forward
"As the Project Director for the National Skills Academy Process Industries I have witnessed first hand the vibrant growth of the Energy and Process Industry sectors in the North East of England and the exceptional innovative work that is already going on within that region. The region will continue to play a major role in the advancement of Britain 's position at the forefront of the worldwide energy sector and for that reason I am supporting the NE's bid to house the Energy Technologies Institute." Craig Crowther, Project Director, National Skills Academy Process Industries
"I can confirm our support for establishing the ETI in the North East region. The town of Blyth hosts the New and Renewable Energy Centre, the regional development agency, One NorthEast's, centre of excellence for new and renewable energies. NaREC will play a central role in the new Energy Technologies Institute.
NaREC has made a significant contribution to the regeneration of the town of Blyth, a town which has suffered in the past from the closure of its mines, shipbuilding and repairing and other major industries. As part of the proposed new ETI, NaREC can only benefit and those benefits will provide a catalyst for new jobs to be created, new investment, new training opportunities and an improved image and perception and confidence in the town." Bill Tarbit, Head of Strategic Planning and Economic Development, Blyth Valley Borough Council.
"NewcastleGateshead has a long established heritage within the energy sector and attracting the Energy Technologies Institute would be a major boost to further support the growing commercial science and technology base. Furthermore, it would be an important step in establishing NewcastleGateshead both nationally and internationally as a leading destination to live, work, learn and visit.
The Institute will bring new people into NewcastleGateshead with additional skills and attract inward investment, further supporting the strong wealth of talent already available both through the universites and the commercial sectors." Andrew Dixon – Chief Executive NewcastleGateshead Initiative.
"I want to express my support for the North East's bid to host the Energy Technology Institute. Whilst the growth in the North East economy might well have been driven largely by significant investment in the modern technologies - carbon capture, bioenergy, renewables - that have replaced the traditional giants of shipbuilding, coal and steel that formed our industrial landscape in the nineteenth century, the North East has retained one tradition - staying at the forefront of innovation, research and development. Even the building - the Devonshire Building at the heart of Newcastle University 's campus - has won multiple awards, including being the first laboratory building to achieve BREAM excellent status. Coupled with one of the highest quailty of life indices, excelllent rail, air and sea links to most major European cities, an Energy Technology Institute based here would have a place to live and work second to none." David Clelland MP.
"SENNTRi, the physical regeneration partnership for south east Northumberland strongly supports the ETI proposal. We see energy as a key part of the new future for the sub region and are determined to ensure that new development is seen as an international exemplar that will form part of the new 21st century communities that we are creating. We are already working closely with NaREC on our key proposals. This new Institute will reinforce the commitments that have already been made and will add to the exciting future for the north east." Brian Ham, Chair, South East Northumberland North Tyneside Regeneration Initiative
"I wholeheartedly support the bid for the Energy Technologies Institute from the North East Consortium led by Professor Paul Younger. The north east has a record of outstanding scientific research and development and has so much to offer the ETI. I hope the bid will be successful." Rt. Hon. Alan Beith, Liberal Democrat MP for Berwick-upon-Tweed
"I am pleased to add my support to the bid for the North East to be the home the Energy Technology Institute. The North East has a proud tradition in the energy sector and in leading technological innovation. At a time when minimising carbon emissions has become imperative the Devonshire Building at Newcastle University is a recognised world leader. The North East has the skills, infrastructure and desire to make the ETI a success." Kevan Jones, Member of Parliament for North Durham
"The European Alliance for Companies for Energy Efficiency in buildings (EuroACE) is a strong supporter of the North East England bid to be the hub of the ETI. The North East of England is renowned for its involvement with sustainable energy. It is fortunate also in having one of its MEPs, Fiona Hall, recognised within the European Institutions as being one of the foremost advocates for sustainable energy , now the parliament's official rapporteur on the European energy efficiency action plan." Andrew Warren, Senior Advisor, EuroACE
"The Tees Valley is a leading location in Europe developing not only an integrated world class chemical and energy industry, but are using that combination to create an area of expertise in the development of low carbon power generation and creating market acceptability for new products. On this basis the North East would be an ideal location for the Energy Technologies Institute." John Lowther, Director, Tees Valley Joint Strategic Unit.
"The North East consortiums bid to be the host for the Energy Technology Institute is a clear demonstration of the collective capabilities and skills of the many and diverse organisations working within North East England to deliver both regional and national energy goals. Energy North East is delighted to support such a bid that illustrates the wide reaching benefits of a collaborative and inclusive approach" . Kate Hatton, Regional Energy Co-ordinator, Energy North East.
"Over the last 3 years we have seen an explosion of activity in the area of liquid bio-fuels for road transport. " Dr Dermot Roddy, Newcastle University.
"I'm pleased to support the bid to bring the Energy Technologies Institute to the North East. As a region largely built because of the needs of the energy industry, the North East is an ideal location from which to research the future for clean energy. This is an exciting bid and I’am confident that all involved are up to the challenge." Rt Hon Hilary Armstrong, MP for North West Durham.
"The region is the ideal place to host the Energy Technologies Institute due to its unique heritage and expertise in energy technology. Innovation in science and technology is key to the future progress of UK industry; the North East has the ideal skills base to be a driving force behind this development. “The North East has always been at the forefront of technological development particularly in the energy sector, and we can build on that history to shape our future" Dave Anderson MP, Blaydon Constituency.
"I work on energy issues in the European Parliament, where it is known that North East England is the pre-eminent UK region for innovative energy technology. There couldn't be a better place to site the ETI hub." Fiona Hall, Lib Dem member of the European Parliament for North East England.
"Five years ago the NorthEast embarked on an ambitious strategy to develop a knowledge based economy built around our recognised national and international strengths in energy, process and healthcare research and industry. For the next five years we are maintaining this focus and looking to use energy and carbon reduction as a central theme across our regional strategy including economic development, buildings and housing, transport, skills and education.” Mark Pearson, Energy and Process Innovation Manager, One NorthEast.
"On behalf of the Council I would like to offer our support in the North East bid to host the Energy technologies Institute. Gateshead Council believes that the North East is the natural home for an Energy Technologies Institute. We have a long history of energy production and there are many energy related businesses and research organisations in the North East with the expertise to provide innovation, exciting new developments and technologies.
Gateshead Council would be delighted to be part of such an initiative and may be able to provide some support in terms of officer time, developments for collaboration, research and implementation of new technologies." Councillor Mick Henry, Leader of Gateshead Council.
"Darlington Borough Council supports this bid to support the energy sector in the North East. We have the companies and academic institutions to not only compete but advance this sector in the global market." Caroline Taukulis, Principal Economic Regeneration Officer, Economic Regeneration & Tourism Service, Darlington Borough Council.
"Community Renewable Energy (CoRE) is a social enterprise committed to supporting the Third Sector. We have two objectives:
- Putting renewable energy sources into voluntary and community bodies across the North East
- Using renewable energy to provide an income for communities across the North East
We have been developing CoRE since 2004. Our initial work was entirely voluntary. We then secured assistance from the EU Equal Programme and have now secured funding from OneNE. CoRE is a regionally based national pilot project. CoRE is a new way of promoting community sustainability and resilience. CoRE is an innovative solution to community need that builds on the North East's energy heritage.
We are happy to be involved in and wish to add our support to the NE England Consortium Energy Technologies Institute Bid." Ross Weddle, Manager, Community Renewable Energy.
"This region has many strengths in energy. Moving forwards, there are going to be many new technologies developed - wind, wave and solar power – for which we have the technology base, both in our universities and in NaREC, to develop the products. We can also provide live sites where we can put those technologies to work." Richard Maudslay CBE FREng, Chair, Science and Industry Council
"The North East Regional Economic Strategy sets us a very challenging growth target requiring a step change in our economic capacity. Meeting this challenge requires government at all levels national, regional and local to work together to make a success of initiatives such as the Energy Technologies Institute.
Going forward both the region and ETI can benefit from the synergy of our investment plans and shared ambition for the UK to be an internationally recognised location for energy technology development." Alan Clarke, Chief Executive, One North East.
"The North East offers ETI a unique combination of expertise and facilities that are capable of having an impact on a global scale. The strength of the consortium's bid also reflects the very high level of commitment and support generated across the whole region, including all the partners involved in Newcastle Science City." Sarah Stewart , Director , Newcastle Science City
"In North East England, science gets applied, not just published. Many regions in the world can boast of scientific prowess at the level of research - but few can match the richness of the North East's design and engineering traditions. These ensure that inventions are put to practical use. A third special element of the innovation culture is the vibrancy of grassroots projects; non-technical people often imagine uses for high-tech that researchers, being close to their subject, cannot. This three-way combination of top-down research, design aptitude in depth, and bottom-up experimentation, makes the region a kind of design lab in which a wide variety of people - not just professionals - learn from each other's experiences. I can imagine no better location for the ETI." John Thackara, Programme Director, Designs of the time (Dott 07).
"In 2001 One NorthEast published its Business Start-up Strategy: Everybody's Business. This was followed by the usual press coverage, but what surprised me was the focus taken by the media. The following paragraph was repeated time and time again and to the exclusion of much of the remainder of the report: The North East has a tremendous record of innovation: Swan, Armstrong, Stephenson, Reyrolle, Parsons etc. Where are the world-class innovators and businesses of today? In all of the proposals for the industrial and commercial renaissance of the North East, the focus on the energy industries of tomorrow seemed more resonant with the people of the North East than any other. The universities, private sector and NaREC are providing that innovation now. With the ETI, the North East would truly be the home of the new energy industries and the excellence and commitment in the Region would repay the faith shown. "Doug Scott, Chief Executive, The Tyneside Economic Development Company Ltd.
"We possess unique expertise in energy research, development and commercial exploitation and we are the biggest exporter and exploiter of energy resources in the UK . There has been large efforts made by the local communities to recycle and much more awareness of carbon footprints. We are committed to becoming the first carbon neutral region in the UK."Anita Irving, Head of Regional Fundraising, Mencap North East - Fundraising & Communications
"I have read with interest the project of establishing in the North East, a Centre for Renewable Energy to service the UK. As a person who has lived in Canada for over 37 years , but who still has strong ties to the North East, I think that the idea is an excellent one. I still travel to the North East every year and find that the area and particularly the City of Newcastle have changed beyond recognition. Wheras the area once known for it's mining villages has now become a maze of beautiful small towns, particularly along the coastline, where privatisation of homes has resulted in growth and caring for many ex -colliery houses who now have beautiful gardens.
"The thing which has struck me most is the growth of Newcastle as a University city. Everywhere one looks, you can only be impressed by the vibrancy and mood of the city with the influx of young students. I have read of the importance of Newcastle University in the fields of medicine, pharmacy, engineering and business.
"The proximity to the coastline can only be an advantage to the field of Renewable Energy.
In summation I feel that the strong academic and industrial energy base in the region make the north east the most appropriate centre for locating the U.K.hub of the Energy Technical Institute." Terence Barrett F.C.A.
"I wish the ETI team the best of luck in securing the bid. I'll be even more proud of the north east if we win this bid: it will show that the north east does not need to rely on the tourist pound to regenerate itself - though the beautification of Tyneside over recent years and the new cultural opportunities here are indeed a great asset.
I grew up in London , went on to higher education in the midlands, did a postgraduate degree in the USA , then took a job in Tyneside 12 years ago. I'd not want to return to the south - we have so many advantages up here: a friendly city that's not too big to get around, brilliant public transport, an independent cinema; jazz, classical and every other kind of music you could possibly imagine; opportunities for young folk musicians that they wouldn't have elsewhere; good schools and great universities; the countryside and the Lake district on your doorstep - can life get any better than this? - possibly if there are new jobs created here at the cutting edge of science and engineering, working with other scientists to create solutions to our energy needs, with sustainability at the forefront." Wendy Love