The UK government has announced plans to develop a National College for Wind Energy, the nation’s first further education center dedicated to renewable energy.

Business Secretary Vince Cable said the national college will be based in the Humber area and will provide a ‘hub’ for skills, training and education initiatives. In addition, there will be a network of partners providing education and training across the UK.

The primary focus of the Humber ‘hub’ will be offshore wind, where a large growth in skills is needed. The National College will also provide capability to support onshore wind and marine renewables.

It is envisaged that the college will open its doors in late 2016.