Ireland’s energy minister, Eamon Ryan, has urged Irish energy companies to go for the funding only days before the country when cap in hand to its neighbours.

Funding will be made available through NER300, a financing instrument managed jointly by the European Commission, European Investment Bank and Member States of the European Union.

So far the funding is earmarked for helping eight Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) projects and 34 renewable energy schemes across the EU.

Single or joint ventures in areas such as bioenergy, solar energy, carbon capture and storage, geothermal, wind energy, hydro and ocean energy be eligible to apply.

“This funding programme is evidence of the ambitious policy plans at European level, to move in a low carbon direction,” said Mr Ryan.

“The EU has set a target of 20% renewable energy in the next ten years – Ireland is and will continue to be, one of the main players in this project.

“We have the resources, with the strongest wind and wave power in Western Europe. We have the expertise.

“In the first quarter of this year, one third of Irish start-up companies were in clean, green technologies. We must seize upon this competitive advantage, and use it to our financial and environmental benefit.

“An energy revolution is underway and Irish companies can be a part of it.”

Prior to being submitted to the European Commission, applications must be made to national authorities.

In Ireland, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland is accepting applications at 01 8082100 or by emailing ner300@dcenr.gov.ie

Luke Walsh

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