Environment secretary Hilary Benn has announced increases in funding for clean energy technologies, enterprises and investments to more than £400 m over the next three years.

As part of the Environmental Transformation Fund (ETF), the Carbon Trust will receive £47.4 m to bring forward new energy technologies such as offshore wind, third-generation photovoltaic power, marine energy and biomass heating.

This funding will also be used to increase the Carbon Trust’s energy-saving loans scheme for small and medium-sized enterprises by a further £12 m to £62 m.

Announcing the budget settlement, Hilary Benn said: “Now is the time to act together to tackle climate change and protect our environment. The government must lead the way by ensuring we are investing in building a low-carbon Britain.

“Defra spending will increase to almost £4 bn over the next three years, but we must invest wisely. That is why we are focusing our efforts on helping to provide sustainable options, as well as influencing governments and businesses.

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor