SEI welcome budget provisions on sustainable energy

Moves to support sustainable transport, heat and power production were today warmly received by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI).

Moves to support sustainable transport, heat and power production were today warmly received by Sustainable Energy Ireland.

Provisions announced in today’s Budget which will lead to increased Government support for sustainable transport, heat and power production were warmly welcomed this afternoon by David Taylor, CEO of Sustainable Energy Ireland.

Specifically Mr Taylor welcomed the provision of €2m in funding for the installation of insulation in households experiencing fuel poverty.

According to Mr. Taylor: “Support for sustainable heat provision to houses will help drive innovation in this high growth sector. Secure, environmentally friendly and affordable indigenous energy production will benefit all and help sustain our continued economic growth”.

Other welcome measures outlined in the Budget include excise relief for biofuels to help achieve the initial target outlined by the Government, supported by SEI, for 2% of the fuel market to be made up of biofuels by 2008.

In addition a VRT relief of 50% for new flexible fuel vehicles, capable of operating on high-grade biofuels, is being introduced for a two year period, with effect from January 1 2006.

“Any provision to encourage the transfer to sustainable energy sources by consumers is welcomed, supported and encouraged by SEI,” concluded David Taylor.