Welsh renewable energy programme launched
A £34 million scheme to research renewable energy generation in Wales has been unveiled.
The Welsh Assembly government announced the scheme, which is based around the Low Carbon Research Institute (LCRI) energy programme.
Partnerships with six Welsh universities have been established to look into various environmental issues. Work is expected to get underway by the end of 2009 and last for six years.
Marine renewable energy sources, hydrogen for low carbon transport, biomass power generation and photovoltaic technology will all be included in the research.
Cardiff University will lead the project, which also involves Bangor, Glyndwr, Aberystwyth, Glamorgan and Swansea universities.
Rhodri Morgan, first minister for Wales, said: “This programme will place Wales at the forefront of industry-led research to achieve more affordable low carbon energy, improve energy efficiency from a range of sources and reduce energy demand across all sectors.”
Private sector investment and a grant from the Convergence European Regional Development Fund will finance the scheme.
Barry Nutley, Partner at Viridis Energie Consultants, commented “This is fantastic news, not just for Wales, but the renewable energy industry in general.”
Great post, although no matter what anyone says renewable energy is the way of the future and in my opinion small jumps are being made forward, however it is interesting to consider where we will be in say 100 years or so!