Energy Projects Funding Unveiled

Energy Projects Funding Unveiled

Jun 29 - Belfast News Letter, The

A FIVE MILLION euro EU fund to help stimulate cross-border renewable energy projects and energy efficient technologies was unveiled yesterday.

The fund, made available through the EU INTERREG IIIA Programme, will provide support to innovative schemes which demonstrate best practice and which can be replicated elsewhere.

Cross-border studies, or research which can further the overall strategy and objectives will be viewed favourably, as will the creation of cross border energy networks which promote information exchange and co-operation.

Projects which will make use of biomass as a resource would also be particularly welcome. While the funding will help increase economic competitiveness across the business, agriculture and tourism sectors, it is anticipated it will also benefit local communities and help improve the environmental well-being of the region.

The funding is being delivered jointly by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment ( DETI) in Northern Ireland and the Department of Communications, the Marine and Natural Resources (DCMNR) in the Republic.

Jack O'Connor of the Special EU Programmes Body, the managing authority for EU INTERREG IIIA, said: "This measure offers a unique opportunity to build strong cross border networks which can successfully deploy renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies for the economic and social benefit of the border area."

An advisory service has been established for all prospective applicants, which will help ensure applications meet the funding criteria.

This service, delivered by Action Renewables, will be launched at an information event at the Slieve Russell Hotel, Ballyconnell, Co Cavan, on Monday, June 28 where applicants will be briefed on the application process and criteria, and have the opportunity to network with other project promoters.

For far more extensive news on the energy/power visit: http://www.energycentral.com .