Biomass renewable energy schemes set for financial support

Written by Andrew Marshall.

The government is to offer further financial support to encourage the development of biomass renewable energy in England.

Forming part of the Department of Energy and Climate Change''s Bio-energy Infrastructure Scheme, it is thought that funding of £1.5 million will be made available in the near future.

Lord Hunt, energy and climate change minister, noted that previous rounds of the initiative have already provided financial backing to biomass projects.

He commented: ''We need to encourage business to invest in renewable energy.

''We have a target to get 15 per cent of all energy from renewable sources by 2020, and biomass can make a significant contribution.''

The likes of local authorities and farmers will now be able to apply for funding if they believe they are eligible for the financial support.

Ministers are also aiming to raise awareness of climate change issues by building upon their Act on CO2 advertising campaign.