Durham University has joined a partnership behind a new £25 million clean-energy institute intended to expand education, research and career opportunities across North East England.
The Energy Central Institute (ECI) is planned for Blyth, Northumberland, and is due to open in 2027. The institute will focus particularly on the offshore wind sector, with facilities and programmes covering skills development, technological innovation, higher education and research.
For Durham residents and prospective students, the project represents a regional link between the university and a major developing clean-energy hub outside the city. Durham University and Newcastle University will be involved in the institute’s higher-education, PhD-level study and research activity.
A pathway from apprenticeships to PhD study
ECI will form part of Energy Central Campus, extending the work of the existing Energy Central Learning Hub. That first phase has welcomed more than 7,000 learners since it opened in 2024.
The partners say the new institute will support apprenticeships, postgraduate education, research and development, and continuing professional development. The aim is to create a route from early engagement in science, technology, engineering and mathematics through to degree and PhD-level study.
That pathway is intended to help people in Blyth and across the wider North East gain skills for jobs in the region’s growing green-energy economy, while allowing employers and education providers to work more closely together.
Groundbreaking marks next stage of project
A groundbreaking ceremony marking the start of construction took place on Friday 2 October. The project brings together the Port of Blyth, Northumberland County Council, the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult and the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority, alongside the two universities.
Durham University said the partnership reflects its work with education, public, private and third-sector organisations to support social inclusion, skills development and inclusive economic growth in the region.
“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.”
The comment was made by Shaid Mahmood, Durham University’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor for EDI and Skills. Martin Lawlor OBE, chief executive of the Port of Blyth and chair of Energy Central Campus, said the institute would extend the pathway created by the learning hub and broaden access to higher-level education.
The partners are now working towards the ECI opening its doors next year. Durham University directs prospective students to information about its undergraduate and postgraduate courses, as well as its energy research and the Energy Central Campus.