Californian energy giant Clipper Windpower is to develop a new generation of offshore wind turbines in the North East of England. The decision was hailed by the UK Business and Enterprise Secretary John Hutton as further evidence that "the UK is fast becoming a magnet for renewable energy investment."

The Regional Development Agency ONE North East has agreed to invest a £5 million package of support into 'Project Britannia' - with Clipper Windpower basing its prototype technology at the New and Renewable Energy Centre (NaREC) in Blyth, Northumberland. The investment is the culmination of two year’s work between Clipper Windpower, One NorthEast, the Department for Business and Enterprise and UK Trade and investment to win the project for the region.


Business and Enterprise Secretary John Hutton, said: "Clipper Windpower's decision to develop a new generation of offshore wind turbines in the North East of England is further evidence that the UK is fast becoming a magnet for renewable energy investment. A recent report from Ernst & Young showed that the UK has moved up from fifth to second in the world for attractiveness in new renewable investment. Behind this is the Government’s determination to bring down planning barriers and target support at marine and emerging renewables. By 2015 we expect to see a threefold increase in green energy feeding into the grid."

The initial project is likely to create 25 highly specialised engineering jobs and further bolster the region's growing reputation in the offshore sector. Clipper will assemble a top team of industry professionals to design and manufacture the prototype.

(JM)