Low carbon work boosted by £80m

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A new £80m programme of European funding to support low carbon economic growth in the East of England over the next seven years has been announced.

The funding aims to improve business productivity and the ability of companies to respond to the economic challenges of climate change.

The East of England Development Agency (EEDA) is to manage the new funds.

The European Regional Development Fund Competitiveness scheme has been approved by the European Commission.

David Morrall, Europe and international director at EEDA, said: "The East of England is in many respects leading the field in the progress it is making to develop the region's prosperity as a low carbon economy.

"The foundation we are developing through facilities such as Orbis Energy at Lowestoft, as a hub for renewable energy, and the growing cluster of low carbon technology companies in Peterborough ... all combine to provide an excellent platform for progress."

Knowledge transfer

The delivery of the programme will be managed through commissioned projects and open bidding rounds.

There is no minimum or maximum fund but all the projects are expected to meet at least one of the three priorities under the programme.

These include support for innovation and knowledge transfer, stimulating enterprise and ensuring sustainable development.

A detailed prospectus will be published following the programme launch by the Commissioner for Regional Policy Danuta Hübner at the Astral Centre, Lowestoft College on 28 January 28.