Businesses and organisations in Cumbria still have access to EU funding under a £2.5m initiative to boost energy efficiency, renewables and low-carbon projects.
The investment round available from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) is open until October 31 2017, aimed at supporting energy efficiency and renewable energy use in enterprises.
It also applies to energy efficiency, smart energy management and renewable energy projects for use in public infrastructure and in the housing sector.
The aim is to drive forward the use of low-carbon technologies in the county, support small-scale renewable energy schemes and increase energy efficiency in SMEs, homes and public buildings.
“This funding call is all about promoting the production and distribution of energy derived from renewable resources, as well as research, innovation and the adoption of low-xcarbon technologies and strategies,” explains Jackie Arnold, board member of Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership, which helps to manage ERDF funding for the county.
“Cumbrian enterprises seeking to develop new insulation materials, microgeneration renewables products, building materials, low-impact solvents and household products, and energy advice services, are anticipated to deliver significant local economic growth.
“Others have the potential to exploit growing markets, for example, manufacturing firms or those with expertise in sub-sea technologies who can supply the burgeoning offshore renewables industry.”
Cumbria is a recipient of funding from the European Structural Investment Funds (ESIF) programme, which includes the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), European Social Fund (ESF) and European Agriculture Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). Cumbria LEP helps to administer these EU funded projects to boost business growth, enterprise and skills development.
Graham Haywood, director of Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership adds: “With our EU funding programme set to be delivered through to 2020, this is another valuable investment stream to which businesses can apply to support innovative low-carbon projects. It’s all about ensuring that the county spends the remainder of our EU funding effectively.”
Businesses wishing to find out more about the new funding should visit the ‘live calls’ section of the Cumbria ESIF website at www.cumbriaesif.co.uk or contact Corinne Watson at Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership by emailing corinne.watson@cumbria.gov.uk
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