The Energy Business Group at the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) has outlined its priority investment areas for the next two years.
The Energy Group’s target is to attract and support the delivery of low carbon energy projects totalling over £190 million.
The 15-strong group made-up of private and public representatives, headed by Keith Budden from E.ON, has agreed a five-point strategic plan.
These include: a £60 million investment in housing energy refurbishment through the Green Deal and ECO; £100 million in community heat and smart energy investments at MIRA, Rugby Masts, Friargate and Coventry Gateway; £20 million in improving commercial and public building energy efficiency; £10 million in renewable energy including biogas, commercial solar power and renewable heat in non-domestic buildings; and securing £40 million in European Funds to support the delivery of low carbon energy initiatives.
Keith, who is chair of the LEP Energy Business Group, said there was a great deal of work to be carried out over the next two years.
“Our aim is to make sure that the investment in low carbon energy is used to reduce Coventry and Warwickshire’s energy costs and also to create local jobs in the green supply chain. Every pound saved through energy efficiency adds a pound to our local economy,” he said.
“We will work to make sure that we have the right regulatory frameworks in place and the right technical support from our universities and colleges to make our area attractive for low carbon energy investors.
“We will help ensure that local suppliers and installers are ready to hit the ground running though our partnerships with the Renewable Energy Technology Alliance and the Forum for Constructing Excellence (FORCE).
“Last year Coventry and Warwickshire secured over £30 million in low carbon energy investments. This included the super insulation of over 3,500 homes which helped create 420 construction jobs. We want to see this figure more than doubled this year.
“There are some really exciting low carbon initiatives in the pipeline throughout the LEP area and we will provide support and advice to gain the maximum benefit for the people and businesses of Coventry and Warwickshire.
“We want to make sure that efficient low carbon energy is at the heart of all LEP investments. This will make sure our businesses and communities are fit for the future by providing new and refurbished homes that have low energy bills and delivering clean green power for growth.”
