Liverpool businesses bid to make Wirral renewed energy leader

by Chris Bradley. Published Thu 15 Sep 2011 14:26, Last updated: 2011-09-15

The Mersey docks have a history of excellence in maritime work on both sides of the water, but a £200m bid hopes to make the Wirral a future world leader in renewable energy.

A collective of green-minded business partners want a "pot of money" to be invested in a national Technology Innovation Centre (TIC) in Birkenhead.

The centre will be based at Mersey Maritime’s existing facilities and act as a national hub for offshore renewable energy to drive down costs and improve efficiency.

Partners in the application to the government's Technology and Innovation programme are Cammell Laird, Peel Energy, Wirral Council, Liverpool University and The Mersey Partnership.

The centre aims to unite companies who have a proven track record in technology transfer and offshore development as well as UK and international industry links.

The University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University will also carry out research on new technology ideas to reduce carbon footprints with C-Tech Innovation and games developer EA Technology.

Cllr Phil Davies Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Planning Strategy said: "We are uniquely placed in Wirral because of our geography and existing skills to develop these industries and drive the development of innovative science and technology.

"Offshore renewable energy is a rapidly growing multi billion pound global industry which includes technologies for offshore wind, wave and tidal power.

"If we’re successful with our bid the TIC will lead to many new jobs for Wirral and the Liverpool City Region."

Jim Teasdale, Chief Executive of Mersey Maritime Group said: "Mersey Maritime is the regional body for the Maritime Sector. But we are increasingly working with companies and partners UK-wide in the field of renewable technologies as related opportunities open up.

"We believe the region is the ideal base for a national Technology Innovation Centre and we’re looking forward to working with partners to make that happen."

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