A new technology innovation centre is to be built in Cheshire following a £1.5 million grant from the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA).

EA Technology's Energy Innovation Centre will help start-up companies and entrepreneurs to turn ideas into commercially-viable products and services for the energy sector.

It will be based in Capenhurst near Chester and is expected to create more than 60 new jobs and 18 new start-ups over the next five years.

Mark Hughes, executive director for enterprise at the NWDA, said the centre will provide "crucial support and investment" for new businesses.

"Through supporting the development of innovative new energy and environmental technologies, the centre will also help to ensure that the northwest remains at the forefront of energy solutions as we work to tackle key issues such as climate change," he stated.

Malcolm Wicks, the energy minister, recently told the BBC that beating the worst affects of climate change is achievable because of the number of skilled energy employees working in an "exciting British industry".