The development of a new £25 million institute that will strengthen North East England’s role in leading the green energy sector has taken a major step forward.
Energy Central Institute (ECI) will open in Blyth, Northumberland, in 2027, a hub for skills development, research, and technological innovation, particularly linked to the off-shore wind energy sector.
ECI will be part of Energy Central Campus (ECC), extending its work into higher education, PhD-level study, and research, with the involvement of Durham University and Newcastle University.
A groundbreaking ceremony, marking the start of work building ECI, took place on Friday 2 October.
ECI will build on the success of the first phase of ECC, the Energy Central Learning Hub (ECLH), which has welcomed more than 7,000 learners since opening in 2024.
The project brings together partners including the Port of Blyth, Northumberland County Council, the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, and the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority.
We will work across apprenticeships, postgraduate education, research and development, and continuing professional development (CPD).
For Durham, this is an example of how we leverage our position as a global, world-leading university to advance social inclusion, skills development, and inclusive economic growth in our region. We work with education, public, private, and third-sector partners to expand opportunities for people and communities.
The success of Energy Central Learning Hub has shown what can be achieved when industry, education and the community work together, and the ECI will take that ambition a step further. By creating a clear pathway from early STEM engagement through to degree and PhD level, right here in Blyth, we can help more people build the skills they need to take advantage of the opportunities on their doorstep and build successful careers in the sector.
Energy Central Institute extends the pathway begun through the Energy Central Learning Hub, expanding opportunities for higher-level skills and education in Blyth and North East England. Today marks a significant step forward, and we look forward to continuing to work with partners towards the ECI opening its doors next year, and beyond.
Computer generated image of Energy Central Institute building in Blyth.
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