NATIONAL ENERGY FOUNDATION
News Release

NEF welcomes extension to Grants Schemes, but regrets funding reduction

The National Energy Foundation, Britain's leading charity promoting sustainable energy, welcomed the extension to the Government's grant schemes for small-scale renewable energy by individuals and communities. "Under plans announced yesterday, the existing Grant Schemes will be continued for a further 12 months from next April" explained Gareth Ellis - manager of the NEF Renewables activities. "However," he continued, "the total level of DTI funding has been cut by half for technologies covered under the Clear-Skies programme, and by £4 million for photovoltaic installations. The reduced funding level will particularly constrain the solar thermal industry which has been expanding rapidly to meet the demand from householders seeking water heated by the sun."

"It is a little disappointing that in a week in which Global Climate Change has suddenly come onto the political agenda, the Government's funding response could not have been more generous. The Energy White Paper published last year envisages clean renewable energy meeting over half the UK's energy demands by 2050, yet it will only do so if incentives are available to allow the renewables industry to build up its capacity in a sustained manner."

Homeowners and community groups are encouraged to act soon to take advantage of current grant levels and funding if they wish to install any of the following technologies: Solar Hot Water Ground Source Heat Pumps Biomass Heating Systems Small Wind installations Low-head Hydro Solar Electricity (PV)

Solar thermal and PV panels on the roof of the National Energy Centre, North building

Information about how to apply for grants can be found on the Clear-Skies website for the first five technologies, and on the PV-Solar Grants website for solar electricity.

The National Energy Foundation, as a registered charity, has itself been able to take advantage of these grants to install renewable energy features on its new North Building.

For more information, please contact Gareth Ellis, Delphine Gadenne or Ian Byrne at the National Energy Foundation on 01908-665555.

Last Update: 16 September 2004

The National Energy Foundation: Registered in England - Charity No. 298951