The European Commission (EC) has announced it has earmarked euros 15m of the euros 96m Intelligent Energy-Europe Programme to go towards the project.

It is an unprecedented move in that it is the first time such support has been provided for technical assistance in the field of urban sustainable energy for cities.

The deal will co-finance non-technology projects and encourage renewable energy and green transport usage across the continent.

Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs described it as a major step towards protecting the environment that would also benefit society in other ways.

“It is a real breakthrough that will help cities to contribute to the community objectives of mitigating climate change while allowing for investments that will generate local jobs,” he said.

Set to be in place by the end of 2009, the fund will help regional authorities that are looking to reduce their carbon emission to access additional capital from places like the European Investment Bank.

The news comes as the EC announces its support for a new set of regulations concerning the energy-efficiency of electronic goods.

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