Low carbon scheme is heating up

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AMBITIOUS multi-million pound plans have been announced to improve energy efficiency in homes across the Heads of the Valleys and develop Europe’s first low carbon zone.

The HoV Low Carbon programme is designed to tackle child poverty and fuel poverty – both commitments in the One Wales programme – and will introduce energy reduction measures that have never been undertaken on this scale in the UK.

Leighton Andrews, deputy minister for regeneration, said it was anticipated that the 15-year initiative would ultimately attract tens of millions of pounds of investment.

It is designed to not only tackle fuel poverty but create a new industry base in the region linked to job creation, skills development and the development of local businesses in the sector.

Mr Andrews said he would be announcing details of the first round of investment and the first low carbon town in the new year. He said: “The low carbon initiative has the potential to create real benefits for communities in the Heads of the Valleys.

“Energy costs have a disproportionate impact on household income in deprived areas and less money spent on fuel bills means more money available to spend in the local economy.

“Rolling out this programme across the region would create the largest low carbon zone of its kind in Europe and Wales would be leading the way in tackling fuel poverty in innovative ways, utilising new technology and creating opportunity at the same time.”

The intention is to install sustainable energy measures into the 40,000 socially owned homes in the region – reducing energy consumption for some of the least able to pay.

The deputy minister said he would also be working with colleagues in the department for the environment, sustainability and housing to explore opportunities for making microgeneration an affordable option for all households in the region. Finance minister Andrew Davies announced that £12m would be made available from the Strategic Capital Investment Fund to advance the project.

Environment minister Jane Davidson added: “The Welsh Assembly Government is committed to tackling both fuel poverty and climate change, and Welsh homes are on the frontline of both.

“This programme will give the Heads of the Valleys the opportunity to make an impact on both. Energy efficient, greener homes means less money spent on heating and a reduction in the area’s carbon footprint. This area was at the heart of the Industrial Revolution that made the modern world and still bears the scars of this period. It now has the opportunity to be at the centre of the green revolution of the 21st century, leading Wales and showing the world what it can do to make a difference.”