Empey reveals assistance package for renewable energy

Economy Minister Sir Reg Empey has stressed the need for small businesses and local communities to realise the full potential of using energy from renewable sources during the launch of a £600,000 package of assistance to accelerate the implementation of energy efficient schemes.

Speaking on Friday, 16 November, Sir Reg described the aim of the Energy Demonstration Scheme as offering grant aid of up to 50 per cent of the costs of the project to small/medium sized companies, community and voluntary sector organisations who are interested in producing energy from renewable sources.

"Promoting a cleaner environment, reducing dependency on fossil fuels and increasing the uptake of renewable energy, are now the focus of attention at international, European Union and national levels and are key aspects of the Northern Ireland Executive’s drive for sustainable development,” commented Sir Reg. “It is essential that we make full use of our abundant supply of renewable energy sources and that the energy produced is used efficiently."

Eligible projects are those that will produce electricity and/or heat via the use of wind power, solar power, hydro power, biomass, landfill, biogases and biodegradable fractions from waste. In addition, an important feature of the Energy Demonstration Scheme is that owners of assisted renewable energy projects must allow interested people to visit and provide information on the benefits gained from their projects for a period of three years from the date the project is completed.

The Energy Demonstration Scheme is funded 50 per cent under the Programme for Building Sustainable Prosperity (European Structural Funds) and 50 per cent under the Climate Change Levy provisions. (CL)