UK fund for low- carbon schemes

A multimillion-pound fund to encourage energy efficient technologies was launched by the UK government last Thursday.

The first phase of a £35 million (€44m) Entrepreneurs Fund will release £16 million (€20m) to­wards low-carbon schemes covering building control and ad­vanced lighting systems, space heating and cooling as well as power generation and energy storage. Ministers said the aim of the fund was to speed up the development of low-carbon technologies, helping to cut carbon and supporting jobs.

Energy and climate change minister Greg Barker said: “Low-carbon innovation is vital for the growth of our green economy.

“This investment will help entrepreneurs with novel ideas get designs off the drawing board and into our homes and businesses, helping cut carbon and spur on growth in this exciting marketplace.”

Applications to the fund must be submitted by the end of October, while the second phase will be launched next year.