Latest news with #CleanEnergyFund
North Wales Chronicle
15-07-2025
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
North Wales Clean Energy Fund will power sector progress
The North Wales Clean Energy Fund, worth £24.6 million, has been launched by Ambition North Wales to help drive the region's shift to a low-carbon economy. Part of the North Wales Growth Deal, the fund will support clean energy and decarbonisation projects for businesses and voluntary sector organisations. Cllr Gary Pritchard, lead member for the Low Carbon Energy Programme at Ambition North Wales and leader of Isle of Anglesey Council, said: "I was immensely proud to be part of the launch, and now to see the fund up and running. "It will mean that green energy projects based in North Wales can begin and progress more quickly. "By supporting innovative businesses and community-driven projects, we are fostering a more sustainable, prosperous future for the region." The fund will run for an initial five-year period and includes two dedicated sub-funds. The first, led by the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), targets charities, social enterprises, and community-led projects. The second, delivered by UMi, is aimed at private sector businesses. A third reserve fund will consider applications from other organisations and funding models. The fund will support a variety of clean energy solutions, including storage, energy efficiency, decarbonisation, and renewable energy generation. It is expected to deliver £100 million of investment in the region, create 150 jobs, and cut up to 125,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. The launch event was held at Coleg Llandrillo's Engineering Centre in Rhyl, which houses a renewable energy technology training facility. Rebecca Evans, cabinet secretary for economy, energy and planning, welcomed the scheme. She said: "The launch of the Clean Energy Fund is fantastic news for North Wales, opening the door to more opportunities for the region's thriving clean energy sector. "With its abundant natural resources, skilled workforce, and commitment to sustainability, North Wales is uniquely positioned to lead the way in harnessing renewable energy. "I look forward to seeing innovative developments that will drive economic growth while advancing our transition to a greener future." Dame Nia Griffith, Wales Office minister, shared her support in a video message during the event. She said: "The Clean Energy Fund helps to cement North Wales's growing reputation in the clean energy sector. "This fund, supported by investment from the UK Government, will ensure the sector continues to flourish and create new well-paid jobs." The fund supports the North Wales Regional Energy Strategy, which aims to increase renewable energy use and promote local ownership of clean energy assets. Further details and application information are available at
Leader Live
15-07-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
North Wales Clean Energy Fund will power sector progress
The North Wales Clean Energy Fund, worth £24.6 million, has been launched by Ambition North Wales to help drive the region's shift to a low-carbon economy. Part of the North Wales Growth Deal, the fund will support clean energy and decarbonisation projects for businesses and voluntary sector organisations. Cllr Gary Pritchard, lead member for the Low Carbon Energy Programme at Ambition North Wales and leader of Isle of Anglesey Council, said: "I was immensely proud to be part of the launch, and now to see the fund up and running. "It will mean that green energy projects based in North Wales can begin and progress more quickly. "By supporting innovative businesses and community-driven projects, we are fostering a more sustainable, prosperous future for the region." The fund will run for an initial five-year period and includes two dedicated sub-funds. The first, led by the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), targets charities, social enterprises, and community-led projects. The second, delivered by UMi, is aimed at private sector businesses. A third reserve fund will consider applications from other organisations and funding models. The fund will support a variety of clean energy solutions, including storage, energy efficiency, decarbonisation, and renewable energy generation. It is expected to deliver £100 million of investment in the region, create 150 jobs, and cut up to 125,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. The launch event was held at Coleg Llandrillo's Engineering Centre in Rhyl, which houses a renewable energy technology training facility. Rebecca Evans, cabinet secretary for economy, energy and planning, welcomed the scheme. She said: "The launch of the Clean Energy Fund is fantastic news for North Wales, opening the door to more opportunities for the region's thriving clean energy sector. "With its abundant natural resources, skilled workforce, and commitment to sustainability, North Wales is uniquely positioned to lead the way in harnessing renewable energy. "I look forward to seeing innovative developments that will drive economic growth while advancing our transition to a greener future." Dame Nia Griffith, Wales Office minister, shared her support in a video message during the event. She said: "The Clean Energy Fund helps to cement North Wales's growing reputation in the clean energy sector. "This fund, supported by investment from the UK Government, will ensure the sector continues to flourish and create new well-paid jobs." The fund supports the North Wales Regional Energy Strategy, which aims to increase renewable energy use and promote local ownership of clean energy assets. Further details and application information are available at
Rhyl Journal
15-07-2025
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
North Wales Clean Energy Fund will power sector progress
The North Wales Clean Energy Fund, worth £24.6 million, has been launched by Ambition North Wales to help drive the region's shift to a low-carbon economy. Part of the North Wales Growth Deal, the fund will support clean energy and decarbonisation projects for businesses and voluntary sector organisations. Cllr Gary Pritchard, lead member for the Low Carbon Energy Programme at Ambition North Wales and leader of Isle of Anglesey Council, said: "I was immensely proud to be part of the launch, and now to see the fund up and running. "It will mean that green energy projects based in North Wales can begin and progress more quickly. "By supporting innovative businesses and community-driven projects, we are fostering a more sustainable, prosperous future for the region." The fund will run for an initial five-year period and includes two dedicated sub-funds. The first, led by the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), targets charities, social enterprises, and community-led projects. The second, delivered by UMi, is aimed at private sector businesses. A third reserve fund will consider applications from other organisations and funding models. The fund will support a variety of clean energy solutions, including storage, energy efficiency, decarbonisation, and renewable energy generation. It is expected to deliver £100 million of investment in the region, create 150 jobs, and cut up to 125,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. The launch event was held at Coleg Llandrillo's Engineering Centre in Rhyl, which houses a renewable energy technology training facility. Rebecca Evans, cabinet secretary for economy, energy and planning, welcomed the scheme. She said: "The launch of the Clean Energy Fund is fantastic news for North Wales, opening the door to more opportunities for the region's thriving clean energy sector. "With its abundant natural resources, skilled workforce, and commitment to sustainability, North Wales is uniquely positioned to lead the way in harnessing renewable energy. "I look forward to seeing innovative developments that will drive economic growth while advancing our transition to a greener future." Dame Nia Griffith, Wales Office minister, shared her support in a video message during the event. She said: "The Clean Energy Fund helps to cement North Wales's growing reputation in the clean energy sector. "This fund, supported by investment from the UK Government, will ensure the sector continues to flourish and create new well-paid jobs." The fund supports the North Wales Regional Energy Strategy, which aims to increase renewable energy use and promote local ownership of clean energy assets. Further details and application information are available at
Politico
23-06-2025
- Business
- Politico
Rate cushion confusion
Good morning and welcome to the weekly Monday edition of the New York & New Jersey Energy newsletter. We'll take a look at the week ahead and look back on what you may have missed last week. MANY CUSHIONS — New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy's administration has created so many overlapping credits to deal with rising energy rates it's now hard to keep track of them and where the money is coming from. Some of the money is basically a loan from utility companies that customers have to pay back. Some of it comes from surcharges and fees that customers have already paid or will pay to the state but that some customers, particularly low- and moderate-income households, are getting back as targeted rate relief. Republicans have criticized Democrats for focusing on rate relief without tackling larger supply-demand issues that have driven up the prices in the first place. To clarify, here's each major bucket: $30 for two months, all residential customers: These are utility bill deferrals given by utility companies at the BPU's request. The credits will come off the July and August bills for all of the state's 3.9 million residential customers. The $60 must be paid back in $10 interest-free installments over the next six months, from September through February. $100 once, all residential customers: This comes out of the $430 million ratepayer relief package Gov. Phil Murphy and legislative Democrats announced just before the June primary election. The package includes monies from the state's Clean Energy Fund, the BPU's share of Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative proceeds, and the Solar Alternative Compliance Payment account. The BPU still needs to approve the details of this one. About $150, low to moderate income customers: Another chunk of money that comes out of the $430 million package. About 280,000 customers are expected to receive a $25 per month bill credit paid for by state subsidies from August through February. $20 to $200 per month, low-income customers: This money comes from the universal service fund, which is funded by ratepayers, and is generally for households with income at or below 60 percent of the state median income. The BPU recently approved a plan to increase the minimum and maximum credit, which was $5 and $180 in past years, and is pushing to enroll far more people because 80 percent of people who are eligible are not enrolled. — Ry Rivard HEAT WATCH: New York and New Jersey along with a large swath of the country are bracing for a brutal heat wave to kick off summer — just in time for primary day in New York. Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency in 32 counties, including New York City, after Saturday's thunderstorms and heavy rains knocked out power and drenched parts of upstate New York. Outages impacted more than 50,000 people, according to Hochul's office. Three people, including two children, were killed in Oneida County after a tree fell on their homes. New York's grid operator says the state has plenty of power to meet demand on the system during the heat wave. Some schools have announced modified schedules. Hundreds of cooling centers will be open in New York City as voters head to the polls. New Jersey's grid operator, PJM, issued an emergency alert saying it may require all generators to operate at maximum output capability. The projected demand for Monday, as of Sunday, was 160 GW. The 13-state grid's all-time, one-day highest power use was more than 165 GW in summer 2006. — Ry Rivard ICYMI: LOVETT TO HOCHUL: Former Daily News and New York Post scribe Ken Lovett is joining the Hochul administration. Lovett, a former Eichor Strategies consultant, will serve as a senior communications adviser for energy and environment — a crucial issue area for Hochul ahead of her reelection bid. The governor has discussed energy projects with President Donald Trump, conversations that have included a controversial pipeline and wind energy efforts. Lovett, a former senior adviser at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, will serve as a direct adviser to Hochul and communications director Anthony Hogrebe. 'Nobody knows state government better than Ken Lovett, and we're thrilled to have his experience and expertise as we continue to bring Governor Hochul's message to New Yorkers.' — Nick Reisman — Lovett authored an opinion piece a few months ago praising New York's progress toward renewables and supporting Hochul's exploration of nuclear energy. HAPPY MONDAY MORNING: Let us know if you have tips, story ideas or life advice. We're always here at mfrench@ and rrivard@ And if you like this letter, please tell a friend and/or loved one to sign up. Want to receive this newsletter every weekday? Subscribe to POLITICO Pro. You'll also receive daily policy news and other intelligence you need to act on the day's biggest stories. Here's what we're watching this week: MONDAY— Gov. Kathy Hochul makes an announcement at the New York Power Authority's Niagara Power Project, 11 a.m. — Environmental activists hold a press conference and rally on the 'Formosa Four' protesters' case ahead of a court hearing, 8:15 a.m., the lawn of Livingston Town Hall and Municipal Court, 357 S. Livingston Ave., Livingston, New Jersey. — The New Jersey budget deal is expected to drop early this week, with a vote expected mid to late week ahead of the June 30 deadline. TUESDAY— NYSERDA's board has committee meetings, starting at 10 a.m. WEDNESDAY— The Long Island Power Authority board of trustees meets, 11 a.m., LIPA Office, 333 Earle Ovington Blvd., 4th Floor, Uniondale. — The New York State Energy Planning Board meets, 1 p.m., Albany Capital Center. — The Hudson River PCBs Superfund Site community advisory group meets, 1 p.m., Saratoga Town Hall, 12 Spring St., Schuylerville. AROUND NEW YORK — Republican Long Island lawmakers want to save the clean energy tax credits that Congress looks poised to kill. — Newsday details the lobbying efforts that defeated a plastics and packaging reduction measure in the final days of session. — Duane Lake residents still fighting to get inclusion in septic replacement program. Around New Jersey — New Jersey lawmakers scrutinize energy-hungry data centers. — More pollution expected from New Jersey sites. — Roselle Park employees fear retaliation as town shutters site of possible toxic exposure. What you may have missed PACKAGING FALLOUT — POLITICO's Marie J. French: State lawmakers whiffed on an aggressive measure to reduce plastic and packaging waste in New York on the final day of Albany's legislative session. The Assembly did not pass the sweeping proposal to mandate reductions in packaging by producers and charge them for disposal costs. Supporters had hailed it as the strongest proposal in the country while business opponents argued it would lead to higher consumer costs and the unavailability of some packaged food products. STORAGE BIDS — The BPU approved new subsidies for batteries at its board meeting. The subsidies are dubbed the Garden State Energy Storage Program. The bid period opens next week. According to the board order, the state will target procuring 'at least 1,000 MW of transmission-scale energy storage over the course of multiple solicitations.' The first solicitation aims to award 350-750 MW by Oct. 31, with a prequalification process commencing on June 25 and final bids due Aug. 20. The board will have one or more rounds of bidding in 2026. — Ry Rivard E-BIKE BATTERY RETURNS: The Assembly gave final passage to a measure expanding the state's battery recycling requirements to cover e-bike batteries. Problems with lithium-ion e-bike batteries have caused deadly fires in New York City, with some fires starting in the waste stream once those batteries are thrown out. This bill would address disposal, requiring manufacturers of the batteries to work with retailers to accept back depleted batteries. The Department of Environmental Conservation would consult with the New York City Fire Department and others before developing regulations. Firefighters have raised concerns about the measure, proposing restrictions on accepting batteries at residential and mixed-use locations, Republican lawmakers said during the debate on the bill. 'It endangers the lives of people living in those buildings,' said Republican Assemblymember Michael Durso. Assemblymember Deborah Glick, who sponsored the bill, said she hopes the consultation requirements address some of those concerns. She said the bill would improve safety overall by removing these batteries from the waste stream. 'We have no restrictions on the sale, the repair, or the charging in any of the locations currently,' Glick said. 'They're charging them now and there are no regulations, so it seems to me this is a fairly modest proposal.' — Marie J. French 100-FOOT RULE PASSES — POLITICO's Marie J. French: Property owners looking to hook up to the state's existing gas system would face higher costs under a bill headed to Gov. Kathy Hochul's desk. Lawmakers passed an incremental measure Monday aimed at reining in the expansion of gas service. The bill requires that residential customers pay the full cost of any new pipeline to connect to the gas system. Right now, utilities pay for up to 100 feet of new pipe and pass those expenses on to other ratepayers. 'If you are putting up a new home, you should pay for the connection. That's all this says,' said Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon, the sponsor of the bill. 'And the connection, by the way, should be paid for by the person who's putting it in, instead of your neighbors — which is not a good way to get off on the right foot with your neighbors.'
Business News Wales
10-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Clean Energy Fund Gets Ambition North Wales Green Light
North Wales is set to build on its strength as a leader in low-carbon energy with the approval of the Full Business Case for the region's £24.6 million Clean Energy Fund. The fund, part of the North Wales Growth Deal's Low Carbon Energy programme, will primarily offer capital debt funding to private sector projects with grant/debt capital funding available to voluntary sector projects which focus on clean energy. There will also be the flexibility to consider investments in other sectors and via other funding mechanisms where projects clearly align to the objectives of the fund. It is expected that the fund will generate £100 million in regional investment, create more than 150 new jobs, reduce carbon dioxide equivalent by up to 125,000 tonnes, and support local ownership. The investment will support a range of technologies and activities, including renewable energy generation, energy efficiency and retrofit projects, smart energy systems, and clean energy manufacturing. Cllr. Gary Pritchard, Leader, Isle of Anglesey County Council and Lead Member for the Ambition North Wales Low Carbon Energy Programme, said: 'The approval of the Full Business Case marks a major step forward for our Low Carbon Energy programme. The Clean Energy Fund has been designed to respond to the needs of our region, providing the right support to organisations that want to drive innovation and help meet our climate goals. 'We're proud to be taking a collaborative approach, working with partners across the public, private, and voluntary sectors to promote new opportunities and ensure that our communities can benefit from the transition to a net zero economy.' Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning Rebecca Evans said: 'The approval of the Clean Energy Fund is fantastic news for North Wales, opening the door to more opportunities for the region's thriving clean energy sector. With its abundant natural resources, skilled workforce, and commitment to sustainability, North Wales is uniquely positioned to lead the way in harnessing renewable energy. I look forward to seeing innovative developments that will drive economic growth while advancing our transition to a greener future.' Wales Office Minister Dame Nia Griffith said: 'The green light for the Clean Energy Fund is fantastic news for North Wales. Part funded by the UK Government, via the North Wales Growth Deal, it will power economic growth and create new jobs which will put more money into people's pockets. 'I'm looking forward to seeing innovative projects come forward for support, cementing North Wales's growing reputation in the clean energy sector and contributing to the UK Government's economic growth and clean energy missions.' The fund, set for launch in July, will be open for applications over an initial five-year period, with the potential to extend to 2035 depending on uptake and performance. Projects must be up and running within 36 months of receiving investment, and applicants will need to provide match funding. Ambition North Wales says that by unlocking investment, the fund will accelerate progress towards net zero targets for Wales and the UK. Advisors UMi (in partnership with Optimum Elite and Auditel), along with Wales Council for Voluntary Action (working with Community Energy Wales and Mantell Gwynedd) were appointed in late 2024 to help shape and deliver the fund. Together, they combine commercial expertise alongside an in-depth understanding of the voluntary sector, which will ensure effective design and delivery of the fund, said Ambition North Wales. By supporting clean energy innovation and infrastructure, the fund aims to make North Wales a key player in the UK's energy transition, while delivering lasting economic, environmental, and social benefits for the region.
