NWDA funds Energy Innovation Centre
The North West Development Agency has approved a £1.5m grant towards the construction of EA Technology's new centre for energy-related start-ups in Capenhurst near Chester.
The Capenhurst Energy Innovation Centre will be aimed at enabling new companies and individuals to turn innovative ideas into commercially successful products and services for the energy industry. The project is targeted to create at least 60 new jobs and 18 new businesses over the next five years.
Mark Hughes, executive director for Enterprise and Skills, at the NWDA said: "The energy sector makes an important contribution to the region's economy, contributing approximately £5bn and employing over 50,000 people in the North West.
"This new centre will provide crucial support and investment for new businesses looking to bring new products and processes to the market, which will help to promote the sector's continued growth and development."
Robert Davis, managing director of EA Technology, said: "This is a whole new way for the private and public sector, working together, to create something unique. The Energy Innovation Centre will become a national icon of good practice, helping accelerate new products and services to market and positioning the Northwest as a region that's really going places."
