$24m energy research centre launches in Manchester

The Joule Centre for Energy Research will be launched at Manchester's Museum of Science and Industry, it is the Northwest's first centre for the development of sustainable energy technologies.

The Centre, funded by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), will establish low-carbon technologies, including new wave, tidal and micro-hydro technologies. Its research will also focus on developing a host of "smart' technologies aimed at improving energy efficiency in the home and for industry.

The Centre is a partnership between universities in the Northwest, regional industry, commerce and energy users.

"Our aim is to create an internationally-leading energy research centre in England's North West which will significantly increase the region's research capacity and activity in the areas of new sustainable energy technologies, supporting science and technology, energy efficiency, demand-side management and integrated assessment of the energy system." Professor Nick Jenkins, Director of the Centre, said.

The Centre, which will be hosted by The University of Manchester, will provide a focal point for energy research in the northwest and will support the work of the Northwest Energy Council.

"Energy is a key sector in the Northwest, employing 50,000 people and contributing £5 billion to the regional economy. With climate change increasingly becoming a national and international priority, addressing this key issue can only be achieved through the development of sustainable energy supplies," Bryan Gray, Chairman of the NWDA, said.

"This new centre will play a leading role in the development of new technologies to help respond to climate change issues, as well as helping to significantly boost the region's energy sector. The NWDA is determined to ensure that the Northwest becomes a champion for tackling climate change, and the Joule Centre is another example of the Northwest leading the way for the rest of the UK."