A multi-million-pound innovation hub should be set up in Harwich to support the town’s ambition to be a national leader in clean energy, says a new report. It identifies Harwich as a prime location for cultivating a cluster of businesses and organisations involved in clean energy to drive growth in the area. The Essex coastal town is established in offshore wind with businesses in maritime, logistics, and engineering for clean energy.
The plan includes constructing a new £10 million plus dedicated building, with a separate green energy hub at Bathside Bay to cater for growth in clean fuels and take advantage of the area's position within Freeport East.
The report, by sector specialist Opergy Group and commissioned by Tendring DC, the University of Essex and Freeport East, said: “The proposed iconic innovation hub, inspired by successful models like OrbisEnergy in Lowestoft, is viewed as pivotal to this vision. Not only would such a facility be a testament to Harwich's commitment to innovation, but it also holds the potential to boost economic development, innovation, and employment.” In the short-term it suggests a "pop-up hub" is set up to showcase Harwich’s potential with a team to support the cluster.
