Port town's green energy proposal

The centre is proposed as a hub for small and medium energy firms

A port closely linked to development of Britain's gas fields in the North Sea now hopes to secure its future as a centre for renewable energy firms.

A decision is expected on Wednesday on planning permission for a centre to house offshore windpower technology companies at Lowestoft.

Waveney council's planning committee is considering an outline plan.

The aim is to build specialist premises to attract small to medium sized firms involved in offshore technology.

Lowestoft is one of the main supply base ports serving the natural gas production platforms in the southern basin of the North Sea.

We are confident renewable energy will make a significant contribution to the region's economy over the coming years and this centre can be a leading light in this campaign. George Bennett

A consortium led by the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) is providing finance for a new centre.

George Bennett, urban renewal manager at EEDA, said: "We are confident renewable energy will make a significant contribution to the region's economy over the coming years and this centre can be a leading light in this campaign."

James Beal, managing director of Renewables East, said the centre would play a crucial role in helping the East of England capture some of the £8 billion being invested over 10 years.

EEDA will fund the project from European Commission money and commitments from Suffolk County Council and Waveney District Council.

The project is supported by other public organisations including the DTI, GO East, EEEgr and Renewables East.