02/03/2005

Minister welcomes renewable energy initiative

Enterprise Minister Barry Gardiner has welcomed funding for two innovative cross border renewable energy projects under a European Union funding programme.

In the first project £750,000 will enable a joint venture between Action Renewables and Sustainable Energy Ireland to create an ‘Installers Academy’. The Academy will work with local technical colleges to provide the knowledge and training needed to accredit newly qualified installers of renewable energy technologies such as domestic combined heat and power systems.

In the second scheme Belfast Energy Agency’s ‘Clever Homes’ project will receive nearly £500,000 which should to improve domestic energy efficiency and provide better home ventilation.

Commenting on the ’s INTERREG IIIA funding, Mr Gardiner said: "The global threat of climate change cannot be ignored, and it is imperative that we do everything possible to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, which contribute to climate change.

“The projects receiving funding today will help make renewable energy more accessible to householders and local businesses, so everyone can play a part in reducing emissions, both north and south."

The Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) manages EU Structural Funds such as the INTERREG 111A and Peace 2 Programmes.

The funding was secured through a joint initiative between DETI and the Republic’s Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.

(MB/SP)

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