European Commission funds 15 offshore wind and carbon capture and storage projects
The European Commission has announced more than Euro1.5 billion/ £1.3 billion of money to support 15 offshore wind and carbon capture & storage (CCS) projects across Europe. United Kingdom partners are to receive around £262 million for three projects: £66m for HVDC hub in Scotland; £36m for an off-shore wind farm near Aberdeen, and £160m for a CCS project in Hatfield in Yorkshire. CCS projects in Kingsnorth in Kent and Longannet in Fife were put on a reserve list.
Energy Commission Andris Piebalgs said: "With this decision, the Commission has laid the foundation for the development of two key sustainable technologies that will be essential in our fight against climate change. This unique decision by the Commission does not only give a push to the economy and employment, but it also supports innovative energy technologies that may create further jobs and growth in future."
In promoting CCS technology, the Commission recognises the continued importance of fossil-fuelled power in Europe and the need to adapt to a low carbon energy system. The offshore wind energy projects enhance the development and consolidation of a competitive offshore wind industry in Europe and create numerous "green jobs". These award winning innovative energy technology projects will contribute to the binding targets for greenhouse gas emission reduction and renewables by 2020 and beyond.
The decision on these 15 projects is the first step towards the good use of almost euro 4 billion set aside by the EU in May 2009 for energy projects to support economic recovery. The landmark agreement on the European Energy Programme for Recovery in May foresaw Union financial assistance to energy projects in the fields of CCS, offshore wind energy and gas and electricity infrastructure.
The procedures for the infrastructure projects are still ongoing. The decision is expected to be taken in February 2010.
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Related categories: Climate change and global warming Wind power
