Revised grant scheme launched for hydro

18 Mar 2009

Modified funding levels for NIE’s Help with Hydro scheme have just been announced.

The hydro scheme, funded by Northern Ireland Electricity’s SMART programme, grants up to £20,000 for homes and businesses in Northern Ireland to generate their own electricity.

Gwyneth Compston from NIE Energy said, “This revised funding has been opened because of demand for this specific type renewable project. We have already funded five hydro projects under the Help with Hydro programme since it was introduced but on review we realised that the costs were a barrier to more installations. Therefore, the scheme now offers £500 per kWe, capped at £20,000. Previously, the highest grant was £10,000.”

Applicants should ensure that a feasibility study has been completed and permission gained for an abstraction licence before seeking funding.

Gwyneth Compston continued, “this grant scheme is designed to encourage more people to look at hydro as an effective renewable energy option and a good way to become more environmentally friendly. All of the hydro schemes that we have funded in the past have made substantial carbon savings as well as significantly reducing energy bills.”

“We believe this is the right time for this type of funding. Homeowners and businesses are increasingly looking to harness renewable energy options on their doorstep and hydro is a very viable resource in Northern Ireland. Our landscape is covered with rivers and streams. A water course with a significant head and rate of flow is usually the most appropriate resource for generating energy.’’

There is no closing date for the scheme but it will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. For further details on the scheme and an application form, visit www.nie-yourenergy.co.uk

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