DECC invites applicants for £1.5m bio-energy infrastructure grants

Farmers, foresters and local authorities can from today apply for £1.5m grants to help develop the supply of biomass, such as wood chips or energy crops like miscanthus, in England through round three of the Bio-energy Infrastructure Scheme.

Energy and Climate Change Minister, Lord Hunt said: "As we approach Copenhagen we need to encourage business to invest in renewable energy. We have a target to get 15% of all energy from renewable sources by 2020, and biomass can make a significant contribution.

"We funded 75 projects in round two of this scheme, and we will continue to work to ensure that the supply chain is in place to create a thriving bio-energy market in England, which is good for the environment and good for business."

As with previous rounds, the objectives of the scheme are to increase renewable energy generation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while contributing to sustainable land management.

The scheme provides grants to help the development of the supply chain required to harvest, process, store and supply biomass to heat, combined heat and power, and electricity end-users. The scheme is restricted to projects based in England and is open to businesses, local authorities and charities.

Grants will only be available for projects which complete by 31 March 2011. The deadline for receipt of applications is 26 February 2010, although applicant projects will be assessed on a rolling basis as they are received. The department may also consider extending this deadline, depending on the rate of response. The scheme is administered on DECC's behalf by TUV NEL.

For application forms, guidance and all information regarding the scheme, please contact the Bio-energy Infrastructure Scheme Helpline at TUV-NEL at help@beis.org.uk.