PRESS RELEASE - Wednesday 5 September 2007

ETI team makes final bid for energy capital of the UK

Groundswell of international support builds for bringing hub to the region

Today (Thursday), the team bidding to host the Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) in North East England, will present the region's case to Government and private sector industry sponsors in London , amid overwhelming support from international industry and academia. One of three short-listed applicants, the North East will compete against Scotland and the Midlands at the final stage of selection.

Since the official bid was submitted at the start of August, the North East consortium has received over 100 personal endorsements of support from senior industry figures and academics from around the world. Highlighting the North East's credibility and capabilities in the energy sector as an ideal host for the ETI, these messages will play a key part in demonstrating the region's expertise and passion for energy innovation to the ETI Selection Committee.

International Reputation

The region's international reputation in the energy field was reinforced further this week during a visit by a number of leading Japanese energy experts, including representatives from Hitachi, Nissan and Sanyo. Hosted by the investment and aftercare team at One NorthEast, the delegation visited North East ETI member organisations to witness the potential business and technology collaboration opportunities available in North East England. Speakers from Defra and UK Trade and Investment were also in attendance, to support the visit.

With the launch of daily flights from Newcastle International to Dubai, by Emirates Airlines last weekend, North East England is now more accessible than ever as a place to do business on the global stage.

The Northern Way

North East England's ETI bid also has the support of the rest of Northern England, through The Northern Way, a unique partnership established to close the North/South divide, led by the three northern regional development agencies, and with the support of the private sector and local government leaders. Speaking on behalf of the wider North of England, Neville Chamberlain CBE, Northern Way Chairman, said:

“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.

“An ETI based in the North East would find a strong partner in the Northern Way, and we would look to support its work in whatever ways we could.”

The North East England consortium, a partnership between Newcastle, Durham and Northumbria universities, The New and Renewable Energy Centre (NaREC) and The Centre for Process Innovation (CPI), builds on a 25-year track record of collaboration.

This partnership has been developed in conjunction with One NorthEast and the Science and Industry Council.

Professor Paul Younger, co-ordinator of the North East England bid, adds: “Our team believes passionately that the ETI would thrive in North East England, and is committed to bringing the project to its natural home. There is still plenty of time to add your support for the bid online and we would urge businesses to do so wherever possible.”

A decision is expected to be announced by the ETI in October and the chosen host destination will be established almost immediately. To find out more on the North East's proposal please contact the ETI team on 0191 246 4951. You can also download the full press release 'ETI team makes final bid for energy capital of the UK' (word document) .

For further information contact Steve Abbott or Laura Foster on 0191 222 0722. Email steve.abbott@admiralpr.com or laura.foster@admiralpr.com .