GREEN, GREEN GRANTS FOR HOMES

Wilson launches renewable energy initiative for communities and households

A £10m campaign to encourage homeowners, schools and communities across the UK to take the initiative in developing and installing their own renewable energy schemes was announced today by Energy Minister Brian Wilson.

The 'Clear Skies' initiative is a vital component of the Government's renewables strategy to capture the imagination of individuals and local communities that want to play their part in the renewables revolution. The Scottish Executive is putting up £3.7million to fund its own parallel scheme, with shared website and criteria.

Suggestions for local projects could include:

• A 'solar street' where water heating panels are fitted to the roof of every house in a street;
• A small-scale hydropower project in a school;
• Installing a wind turbine to provide electricity to a hospital;
• Using energy crops, such as willow or poplar, to provide heat for a community farm.

Energy Minister Brian Wilson said:

"Renewable energy can be about thinking small as well as big. The 'Clear Skies' initiative is an excellent opportunity for community groups and homeowners to bring forward useful projects.

There is huge potential, for instance, in the encouragement of small wind generation - proven technology for which there is a worldwide requirement."

The capital grants programme will be supplemented with measures designed to increase the uptake of renewable energy technologies and create a better understanding of the range of benefits they can deliver. The initiative will provide training and accreditation for professional installers to ensure that the general public can trust the products being installed.

Brian Wilson added: "Many UK homes are poorly insulated with heat escaping straight out of roofs and windows, leading to more expensive fuel bills for consumers and higher emissions. This is why the 'Clear Skies' campaign also promotes energy efficiency." For information on the Community & Household Grants Scheme for more information call 0870 2430930 or www.clear-skies.org

The 'Clear Skies' initiative will distribute grants to residents in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and will accredit installers across the UK.

Anyone with a green energy idea for their home, school or community should go to www.clear-skies.org or phone the 'Clear Skies' hotline: 0870 2430930.