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The Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) at Wilton has secured additional funding through regional development agency One North East to fuel its Energy & Environmental Technology sector support project – Renew.

Renew is focusing on helping SMEs get new technologies to market and fast tracking commercially viable ideas which use sustainable energy and environmental technology.  It has been boosted by match funding of £698,000 from the ERDF Competitiveness Programme 2007-13.

The new money will help bring sector support expertise and growth to over 100 existing businesses, with the potential for new jobs and additional start up companies.  It adds to £1.4m already secured through One North East for investment in the growth of the low carbon technologies sector.

"We want the North East to become a nationally recognised hub for the commercialisation of low carbon technologies," explained Renew director John Barton.

"There are many opportunities arising from the transition to low carbon and resource efficient economies, enabling the region to develop and grow an innovative energy and environmental technology goods and services sector."

Strategic markets under consideration for early focus include a range of recycling technologies, sustainable waste treatment and waste to energy projects.  Carbon capture and storage and related low carbon energy technologies are also high on the agenda.

Support to companies will involve technology transfer, help in the identification and acquisition of sites and premises, feasibility studies and access to finance.

"Renew is a vital link in the chain for bringing energy and environmental technology ideas from development to market," said One North East Head of European and skills strategy Lesley Calder.  "We need to help businesses expand and diversify their operations into new areas where strong growth potential has been predicted.

"Projects using sustainable energy and environmental technology are capable of making a significant contribution to the North East economy, as well as increasing our national and international reputation for low carbon technologies."