Council turns up the heat on sustainable energy

26 Jun 2025

Northumberland has been celebrating its thriving technology sector as part of a regional festival championing tech growth in the North East. 

The TechNExt Sustainability Hub event in Northumberland took place on 17 June at the Energy Central Learning Hub in Blyth where Northumberland County Council brought together key players from across the county for workshops, presentations and discussions about the potential for heat networks within eight towns in Northumberland.  

Heat networks offer an efficient way of distributing heat from a central source through insulated pipes to multiple buildings.  

This proven technology brings a range of benefits, including increased energy efficiency, flexibility, and long-term price stability.  

With several successful schemes already operating across the North East and a significant pipeline of projects in development, heat networks are playing a key role in the region’s transition to low-carbon energy solutions alongside other key sectors such as offshore wind. 

Cllr John Riddle, Cabinet Member for Environment and Rural at Northumberland County Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see that we’re playing a key role in the region’s biggest tech festival this year.  

“We have a growing sustainable energy sector in Northumberland, and it’s great to be able to support the incredible innovation happening here that will help drive future opportunities for collaboration and investment.” 

The event forms part of the wider TechNExt festival celebrating North East’s thriving technology sector led by Dynamo and features the diversity, achievements, and innovation of the North East’s tech scene.