WAG supports low-carbon technology

A £34m programme to encourage development of technology that can reduce carbon dioxide emissions and create jobs in Wales has been announced by the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG).

The Low Carbon Research Institute Energy programme is aimed at meeting Welsh Assembly targets for reducing CO2 emissions, by bringing together Welsh universities and industry to develop new products, technologies and services for commercial use.

The programme will include research projects in areas such as solar energy for heating buildings, hydrogen for powering transport, power generation using biomass and photovoltaic (PV) technology to generate electricity. It is also hoped it will encourage the development of zero-carbon buildings and marine renewable energy sources.

The funds for the programme include £15m from the Convergence European Regional Development Fund. The scheme will be led by Cardiff University with Glyndwr, Bangor, Swansea, Aberystwyth and Glamorgan universities, which will also provide funding along with the private sector.