Narec, which has research, development and testing facilities in Northumberland, has combined with the ORE catapult, which is one of seven elite technology and innovation centre established by the Technology Strategy Board.
It is hoped the union will “accelerate the design, development and commercialisation of renewable energy technology”, as well as attract overseas investment, and “realise the enormous opportunity presented by the UKs offshore renewable energy resources”.
Andrew Jamieson, chief executive of the ORE Catapult, who will lead the combined organisation, said: “We will play a leading role in ensuring the UK replicates the success of the oil and gas industries, creating many thousands of skilled jobs, contributing billions of pounds to the economy and ensuring the UK has a major influence on European policy, funding and offshore renewable energy development in the decades to come.”
Andrew Mill, who will step down as Narec chief executive and join the ORE Catapult board as a non-executive director, added: “Integrating Narec’s world-class facilities and expertise with the ORE Catapult will create a unique and growing organisation, ensuring that regionally and nationally the UK is in the best possible position to capture the huge opportunity presented by wind, wave and tidal energy.”