Second Capital Grant Programme Launched to Encourage AD in Wales
The second capital grant programme to encourage the development of more Anaerobic Digestion (AD) facilities in Wales has been launched under the auspices of the Welsh Assembly Government MAP (Materials Action Programme). Limited to companies whose AD facilities will be operational in Wales, it is being managed by WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme).
The Programme aims to encourage a step change in the amount of biodegradable waste that is diverted from landfill in Wales – in particular from commercial and industrial sources such as food and drink manufacture and catering. Sarah Burns, Capital Grants Officer for WRAP, comments:
“There is great potential for this technology in Wales due to the prevalence of food-related industries, from which the waste can be converted into an effective source of energy via anaerobic digestion. The initial capital support programme attracted strong interest and the first project to benefit is due to come on line next year, but we need to maintain this momentum as the technology is developing all the time. The second programme of support is open to companies who applied previously as well as new entrants.”
The MAP Anaerobic Digestion Capital Support Programme can provide up to 30% towards the capital costs of an AD facility. The investment can be used to fund plant and equipment (fixed or mobile) and related infrastructure.
There is no restriction on the size of organisation that can apply, providing the published criteria are met. Specifically, the application for funding must involve a capital investment to create a new, or expand an existing, AD facility and it must use technology that is appropriate to the input materials specified: i.e. source segregated biodegradable waste, of which at least 60 per cent is derived from commercial and industrial sources. The facility must be located in Wales and capable of being installed and operational by 31 December 2009.
Applicants must also be able to demonstrate that the project would be unable to proceed without MAP funding and that it is a viable commercial proposition in the medium to long term.
Projects will be selected through a competitive application process. Each application will be assessed for overall value for money, financial robustness, quality of design, arrangements for sourcing input material, ability to deliver and environmental commitment/impact.
For general questions about the programme, whether your project will fit, how to apply and what to include in your proposal, you can contact the Capital Grants team in confidence by emailing capital.support@wrap.org.uk or by telephone on 01295 819900.
Full details are available on the WRAP website at http://www.wrap.org.uk under the Funding Section. Deadline for receipt of applications is Friday 14th March 2008.
Editor's notes:
WAG - Welsh Assembly Government
The Welsh Assembly Government is the devolved government for Wales. Led by the First Minister, it is responsible for many issues, including health, education, economic development, culture, the environment and transport. Its Waste Strategy Unit has made the treatment of food waste in Wales a key priority and is responsible for initiating the capital support programme for anaerobic digestion. For more information, visit www.wales.gov.uk
MAP – Materials Action Programme
The Materials Action Programme redistributes landfill receipts collected from businesses in Wales and is largely focused on developing best practice in commercial and industrial waste management. The capital support programme for the development of anaerobic digestion uses MAP funding.
WRAP
- WRAP works in partnership to encourage and enable businesses and consumers to be more efficient in their use of materials and recycle more things more often. This helps to minimise landfill, reduce carbon emissions and improve our environment.
- Established as a not-for-profit company in 2000, WRAP is backed by government funding from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Working in seven key areas (Construction, Retail, Manufacturing, Organics, Business Growth, Behavioural Change, and Local Authority Support), WRAP’s work focuses on market development and support to drive forward recycling and materials resource efficiency within these sectors, as well as wider communications and awareness activities including the multi-media national Recycle Now campaign for England.
- More information on all of WRAP's programmes can be found on www.wrap.org.uk
Alison Jones
Proteus Public Relations
Tel: 01295 279626
alison@proteuspr.co.uk
