Energy From Waste

• Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment

Grant-aid for the 'Energy from Waste' Programme is available through the £59 million Environment & Renewable Energy Fund, launched by Secretary of State, Peter Hain in February 2006.

Making the call for expressions of interest from established businesses, in both public and private sectors, which are seeking to implement energy from waste projects, Minister Eagle said:

Energy from waste projects could include waste streams from industry, agriculture and local authorities. Many other EU member states have embraced the latest technologies to help provide solutions to their waste and energy needs. The benefits include reductions in the use of fossil fuels, levels of waste going to landfill and greenhouse gas emissions. In short energy from waste is a 'win win' solution which Northern Ireland needs to develop.

The department will require outline proposals demonstrating how projects are in line with current government policy, and might increase renewable generated electricity and reduce CO2 emissions. Reduction of landfill is another desirable outcome.

Proposed projects should be on a time scale which allows them to be operational by April 2008. Support will be offered through a combination of grant aid and repayable loans and will be subject to EU State Aids rules.

Under this call the department will also be seeking to purchase up to 10MW of suitable renewable (preferably from waste) electricity generating capacity. A more comprehensive description and complete criteria can be viewed at www.energy.detini.gov.uk/eref

Expressions of interest, which should be no more than 4,000 words, should be returned by 27 October 2006.

By the end of November the department will have short listed the projects and invited a number to make a further comprehensive submission.

Dan Sinton
Sustainable Energy
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment
Netherleigh, Massey Avenue, Belfast BT4 2JP
E-Mail: dan.sinton@detini.gov.uk