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Financial Support and Incentives

Carbon Trust "Biomass Heat Accelerator" Programme

The scheme is available to businesses and public sector bodies

The Accelerator is now starting a new phase, offering targeted development support to the delivery of between 20 - 60 new 'best practice' installations. The Accelerator has already produced a range of documentation which is available on the Carbon Trust website.

Carbon Trust/Siemens Energy Efficiency Financing for Business

Energy Efficiency financing for Business is designed to encourage businesses to purchase energy efficient equipment, thereby reducing overall energy consumption. Loans at market competitive rates are available from a minimum of £1000 with no upper limit. Businesses of any size may apply for a loan. For further information see the Carbon Trust website.

Central Energy Efficiency Fund (CEEF)

This scheme is available to Public Sector bodies.

The Scottish Government's Central Energy Efficiency Fund is a key vehicle for delivering energy efficiency and small-scale renewable energy measures across the public sector in Scotland.  The scheme applies to all Scottish local authorities and health boards as well as Scottish Water. For further information please see the Central Energy Efficiency Fund

Climate Change Levy

This scheme applies to businesses, charities/not for profit organisations and public sector bodies.

The Climate Change Levy is a tax on energy use in industry, commerce and the public sector. Electricity generated from new renewable energy and good quality CHP schemes are exempt.

For further information see Climate Change Levy

Energy Savings Scotland Small Business Loans

Provides loans from £1,000 to £100,000 at 0% fixed interest for new energy saving equipment. Loans are repayable over a period of up to 8 years. For further information call  0800 512 012 or see the Energy Savings Trust

Enhanced Capital Allowance

Available for businesses.

Enhanced Capital Allowances (ECAs) enable a business to claim 100% first-year capital allowances on their spending on qualifying plant and machinery.

E.On Sustainable Energy Fund

This scheme is available for charities/not for profit organisations

Launched in April 2009  E.ON Sustainable Energy Fund supports the development of efficient and sustainable energy measures for community organisations. E.ON Sustainable Energy Fund is made up of two parts - a web resource and access to grant funding.

EU Emissions Trading Scheme

This scheme applies to businesses, charities/not for profit organisations and public sector bodies.

The EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) puts a cap on the carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted by business and creates a market and price for carbon allowances.

Feed in Tariff (FIT)

This scheme is available to Businesses, Charities/Not for Profit, the Public Sector and Private Individuals.

The Feed in Tariff (FIT) scheme provides support for small scale (<5MWe)renewable electricity generation. Biomass is not currently included under the FIT (apart from electricity generated by anaerobic digestion).

LEADER

This scheme is available to Charities/Not for Profit organisations.

LEADERis part of the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP). LEADER is a bottom - up method of delivering support for rural development through implementing local development strategies. Support, awarded by Local Action Groups (LAGs), is aimed at local projects with a wide community benefit that show an element of originality or experimentation where possible, and complement other activities within the local development strategy.

Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI)

This scheme is available to Businesses, Charities/Not for Profit, the Public Sector and Private Individuals.

The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) will provide support for renewable heat generation across a wide range of technologies.

For further information see the Renewable Heat Incentive

Renewables Obligation (Scotland)

This scheme is available to Businesses, Charities/Not for profit organisations and the Public Sector.

The Renewables Obligation Scheme supports the generation of renewable electricity from biomass (woodfuel) through Renewables Obligations Certificates, which are issued for each MWh of renewable electricity generated by accredited generators.

For further information please see Renewables Obligation (Scotland).

The Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) Energy Efficiency Scheme

This scheme applies to businesses, charities/not for profit organisations and public sector bodies.

The CRC is an incentive for large public and private sector energy users to reduce their carbon emissions.

For further information please see the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme

The Scotland Rural Development Program (SRDP)

This scheme is available to Businesses, Charities/Not for Profit and the Public Sector.

Funding is available for the following;

  • Purchase and installation of biomass technology.
  • Automated woodfuel boilers/Gasifiers.
  • Control unit.
  • Ancilliary equipment - accumulator tanks etc.
  • Construction or development of infrastructure.
  • Boiler house/fuel store.
  • Access.

For details of the scheme and acces to the application forms please go to the Scottish Government website. Please contact your local Usewoodfuel Officer for further information.

ScottishPower Green Energy Trust

Grants for local community groups and charities/not for profit organisations to install renewable technologies. Grants are for up to half the cost, with a maximum of £25,000. Most projects receive around £10,000 - the maximum amount is only awarded to exceptional projects. The Trust meets twice a year to consider applications - usually during the first week of April and October. Applications should be submitted as soon as possible.

More on applying to the Green Energy Trust