Innovation
The North East is proud to boast some of the UK’s most famous ‘energy’ trail blazers. Armstrong; George Stephenson; Robert Stephenson; Parsons; Swan; and Merz all developed their skills and put their dreams into practise in the region.
These pioneers helped put the North East on the world map of energy innovation and invention and now the region is re-capturing that pioneering spirit by establishing world class Centres of Excellence and academic research institutions.
The New and Renewable Energy Centre is dedicated to meeting today’s energy challenges by supporting developers of innovative technologies. NaREC encompasses a range of independent research, testing and development facilities across the spectrum of energy industries. Their specialised team of technical and engineering consultants work with developers to bridge the gap between innovation and commercial realisation.
The Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) was established by One NorthEast as a UK wide resource to stimulate and drive innovation within the Process Industry. Working with global industry partners and leading research universities we are committed to delivering world-class, groundbreaking applied research and development…
School of Marine Science and Technology is the largest and broadest-based marine school in the UK, covering the fields of marine engineering, marine science, naval architecture, offshore engineering, coastal management and small craft technology, and enjoys a substantial international reputation
The Engineering Design Centre (EDC) is a research centre for collaborative research between industry and the academic sector to improve the engineering design of large made-to-order products such as ships, offshore platforms, aircraft, process plant and power stations.
Resource Centre for Innovation Design (RCID) was formed at the University of Newcastle in August 1995. Its continuing mission then was the support of Innovation and Design in the North East's Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs). The Centre has been jointly funded by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the University of Newcastle, and contributions from regional growth-orientated businesses.
The Clean Environment Management Centre (CLEMANCE) delivers environmentally sustainable solutions through innovative science, technology and resource management. The Centre's remit covers a wide range of environmental issues including waste, recycling, energy efficiency, renewables, eco-product development, building design and contaminated land remediation. The Centre holds ERDF funding which allows subsidised support for Small and Medium Size Enterprises, other organisations are supported at competitive rates.
Durham University – New and Renewable Energy Group (NAREG) is a research group in the School of Engineering. The School of Engineering was given a grade 5 rating in the 2001 Universities Funding Council National Research Assessment Exercise. The Group is part of the Durham Centre for Renewable Energy which links the work of all departments in the University in this strategically important subject.
Northumbria Photovoltaics Applications Centre (NPAC) undertakes research and development on many aspects of photovoltaics, including: Development of new solar cell structures and materials; Testing and characterisation of solar cells; Photovoltaic system design; Performance monitoring and assessment for building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems; Environmental impact analysis for production and operation of photovoltaic systems.