Clean energy technologies are the focus
Defra has increased funding for clean energy technologies, investments and enterprises to the tune of £400m over the next three years.
Hilary Benn made the announcement whilst setting out details of Defra’s 2008/09 budget settlement.
As part of the domestic Environmental Transformation Fund (ETF), the Carbon Trust will receive £47.4m to bring forward new energy technologies such as offshore wind, third-generation photovoltaic power, marine energy and biomass heating.
Funding will also be used to increase the Carbon Trust’s energy-saving loans scheme for SMEs by a further £12m to £62m since 2003.
Over the next three years the government will also provide around £10 million for a new anaerobic digestion demonstration programme.
Up to four commercial-scale facilities will show the potential of this technology to create renewable energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and avoid waste being sent to landfill.
Other areas that will benefit from increased investment include:
• Low-carbon technology Domestic ETF fund increased to £400m plus £800m to tackle environmental challenges in developing countries over the next three years;
• Sustainable waste infrastructure Over £2bn Private Finance Initiative credits provided over the next three years;
• Flood protection Spending £2.15b over the next three years; and
• Rural Development Programme for England Resources doubled to £3.9bn available to 2013.
As part of the 2008/09 budget settlement:
• Natural England will receive £176m to enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas;
• The Environment Agency will receive £796m to protect and improve the environment in England and Wales;
• Animal Health will receive £128.1m to combat disease and ensure animals are healthy;
• The Rural Payments Agency will receive £255.8m to effectively administer the Single Payment Scheme payments.
Dr Helen Phillips, Natural England's CEO, said: “We are pleased with the news of our budget settlement for 2008/09. Given the pressures across Defra and the public sector as a whole, this is a good outcome.”
