Regional Energy Strategy and Policy

In 1999, The Northern Energy Initiative prepared a regional energy strategy for the North East entitled 'Energy for a New Century – An Energy Strategy for the North East of England'. This set out the regional strategy.

The North East Energy Partnership (NEEP) is taking the regional lead on taking this strategy forward.

There are three government bodies that are responsible for shaping the strategic development of the region and who develop policy to assist the region to meet its aspirations and who work with NEEP as key partners. National bodies, such as the Energy Saving Trust and the Carbon Trust have regional managers based in the region. There also exist a number of key strategic partnerships of local authorities. All work together to develop and deliver regional actions.

Government Office for the North East

Government Office for the North East’s mission is to work with regional partners to help create sustainable communities and to maximise competitiveness and prosperity in the North East region. It's role is to manage regional programmes on behalf of the ten participating central Government Departments, support and facilitate effective linkages between partners and provide a regional input into Government policy development. It's role in Energy cuts across a number of teams and areas of responsibility, including Environment, Sustainable Development, Planning, Housing and Business Support.

For specific energy related enquiries contact:
Will Adams
T: 0191 202 3612
E: Will Adams

One NorthEast

One NorthEast is the Regional Development Agency for the North East set up to create and sustain jobs, prosperity and a higher quality of life. The remit to the Agency is to further economic development and the regeneration of the region, to promote business efficiency, investment and competitiveness in the region, to generate employment and to encourage and enhance the development and application of relevant work skills of the people living in the region. One NorthEast is responsible for the preparation and implementation the Regional Economic Strategy which sets out how the North East is going to deliver greater and sustainable prosperity to all of the people of the North East over the period to 2016.

For specific energy policy related enquiries contact:
Caroline Oldridge
E: Caroline Oldridge

For specific energy cluster related enquiries contact:
Andrew Williamson
E: Andrew Williamson

The North East Assembly

A key role for the North East Assembly is to prepare regional planning strategies, with the prime strategy being the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS). The RSS takes an overview of the economic, social and environmental issues faced by the region and devises the most effective spatial policies to respond to them as well as contributing to the region’s sustainability agenda. The RSS provides a long term planning framework for renewable energy within the region.

For specific energy related enquiries please contact :
Steve Bhomick.
T: 0191 261 3929
E: Steve Bhowmick

In addition to the regional bodies above, national programmes are also importantly represented in the North East with both the Energy Saving Trust and Carbon Trust employing Regional managers to deliver their programmes.

Energy Saving Trust

Regional Project

An EST Regional Co-ordinator operates in the North East to influence strategy and policies at a local level to include and cover effectively sustainable energy considerations. The Regional Co-ordinator provides a means of directly influencing regional strategies to ensure that sustainable energy and sustainable transport issues are embedded in these key documents, thus aiding implementation of the Energy White Paper in North East England.  The Regional Co-ordinator is an active member of the North East Energy Partnership (NEEP) and also oversees the delivery of the EST North East Advice Centre.

For further information please contact Stephen Calvert.
T: 0191 202 3762
E: Stephen Calvert

Energy Saving Trust North East Advice Centre

In 2005 it was announced that the North East would pilot one of three EST Sustainable Energy Networks. This initiative merged the existing energy advice centres in the Tees and Durham area and the Northumberland area into one delivery organisation covering the whole of the region. The principal remit of the North East Advice Centre is to provide advice to householders about energy efficiency, renewables and sustainable transport.

For more information contact David Lacey.
T: 01642 373 021
E: David Lacey

The Carbon Trust

Regional Project

The Carbon Trust is a government backed and business focussed organisation that helps businesses and the public sector cut carbon emissions. In the North East, the Carbon Trust employs a dedicated Regional Manager to work with organisations in the region to provide practical and effective advice and support for companies on cost savings and carbon reductions through improved energy efficiency. One NorthEast hosts the Carbon Trust’s Regional Manager.

For more information contact Barrie Brass.
T: 0191 229 6568
E: Barrie Brass

Strategic Partnerships

In addition to the above regional bodies there are sub regional strategic partnerships that are charged with the task of bringing together key stakeholders to promote economic, social and environmental development within their area. 

Northumberland Strategic Partnership

Northumberland Strategic Partnership brings together all the stakeholders in the county within a supportive framework to work together in the interests of economic, social and environmental development.

County Durham Strategic Partnership

The County Durham Strategic Partnership (CDSP) is a partnership of public, (e.g. health, councils, police), business, community and voluntary organisations who have agreed to work together to improve the well-being of people in County Durham.

Tees Valley Partnership

The Tees Valley Partnership is the strategic body for the economic development and regeneration of the Tees Valley and co-ordinates the activities of the main agencies involved to ensure a 'joined up' approach to development.

Tyne and Wear Strategic Partnership

The Partnership has come together to champion the economic development and regeneration of Tyne and Wear. We influence, co-ordinate and, where possible, integrate and direct, economic development and regeneration activities.  We are reviewing our Economic Strategy, which outlines the priorities for Tyneside and Wearside. The Partnership is committed to creating jobs, nurturing business, and improving skills.