HARWICH could be set to become an innovation hub for offshore renewable energy.

Essex County Council and Tendring Council have outlined their vision to attract business and create employment in the town through the energy sector.

Nautilus Associates has been commissioned to carry out a feasibility study to explore potential locations.

Harwich is already involved in offshore wind energy with the port acting as the installation base for the Gunfleet Sands wind farm when it was being built.

The Energising Harwich project was launched earlier this year to train workers for the off shore wind farm industry.

Ivan Henderson, county and district councillor for Harwich, said: “Yes it is good news but we now need a dedicated officer who can correspond with these businesses."