Energy Centre's £2m step closer

SOUTH Devon College's new energy centre is one step closer to becoming a reality after the college secured a £2million grant.

The new renewable energy training facility (illustrated above) is expected to create 400 jobs when it is built at the gateway to White Rock on the main Long Road roundabout in Paignton, next to the new Premier Inn.

College bosses say the Energy Centre will equip students and future environmental entrepreneurs with the skills they need to build sustainable eco-homes and promote renewable technologies.

The additional funding was confirmed by the Skills Funding Agency.

It means construction could get under way in June with the centre expected to become operational mid-2013.

The college's existing renewable energy course provision, including Photovoltaic and Solar Thermal Installation plus a renewable technologies awareness course, will be transferred over to the new Energy Centre alongside new courses incorporating biomass technologies, micro-generation and solid wall insulation and control systems.

The main focal point of the Energy Centre will be the construction of a modern, green, completely sustainable, 'eco-house of the future' which will showcase all the most up-to-date renewable technologies on offer in a realistic, working environment.

Laurence Frewin, vice principal corporate services at the college, said: "The centre will provide a base for our specialist team to respond to the fast changing sustainable energy market and offer excellent training and employment opportunities for young people and local businesses in an outstanding up-to-date learning environment.

"This additional funding will allow the development of the next exciting phase of our Energy Centre to be truly exemplar.

"It shows our commitment to raising awareness of green technologies whilst also boosting the Torbay economy with more than 400 new job opportunities."

The college has already secured £1.2million from round one of the Regional Growth Fund with the bid for its Energy Centre project having been developed with a range of private sector partners and was one of only four in the South West to win Regional Growth Fund backing.