NI moved closer to leading the fast-growing clean energy sector this week.

It happened when experts from industry heavyweights such as NIE, Bombardier and B9 Energy joined forces to ensure that the skills urgently needed to underpin growth and jobs are secured.

NI's biggest companies were represented at the first meeting of the new Clean Energy Knowledge and Technology Platform (KATP), set up to identify international market opportunities in the areas of sustainable development and clean energy and assist local companies to exploit these opportunities.

Representatives from the Global Wind Alliance, Invest NI, University of Ulster, Queen’s University Belfast, Quinn Consultancy Services and Rural Generation Limited also attended the event, which forms part Carbon Zero NI, an initiative funded by the Department for Employment and Learning and led by South West College to provide technology development and innovation support to NI industry.

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Dr Lorna Lawrence, Research Lecturer with Carbon Zero NI, said the programme was an important step towards establishing excellence in the clean energy sector.

"Although great work is already being carried out across Northern Ireland, we recognise that much remains to be done to enhance our reputation as a region that pioneers sustainable excellence.

"Through the unique expertise and experience of the Platform members, clean and green energy courses and materials can be developed which effectively address industry needs at all levels from operatives to senior managers.

"The investment will strengthen existing curricula, help fuel growth in the sector and position Northern Ireland as an enviable hub of activity and innovation," she said.

Identifying innovative solutions to industry issues, the project will play a leading role in developing strategy for industry and government, providing specialist guidance for developing R&D programmes and identifying essential new curricula for the education sector.

The platform will also support the development of major industrial projects and provide expert guidance for placement of students in the sector.

Dr Leslie Bryans, Manager Transmission Planning at NIE, said the programme will bolster competitiveness of local firms keen to gain a place in the fast-growing green energy sector.

Members of the Clean Energy Knowledge and Technology Platform are Norman Lindsay (Bombardier Aerospace), Clifford McSpadden (Global Wind Alliance), Dr John Gilliland (Rural Generation Ltd.), David Surplus (B9 Shipping) Prof Neil Hewitt (University of Ulster), Sam Knox (Invest NI) and Dr Leslie Bryans (Northern Ireland Electricity), Ciaran Prunty (QUESTOR Centre, QUB) and Dr Peter Quinn (Quinn Consultancy Services).

(BMcC/GK)