The second round of the Government’s Climate Action Fund is now open to expressions of interest, with Minister for Climate Action Richard Bruton advising those with innovative projects to apply.

The Climate Action Plan is the Government’s plan to secure a healthier, cleaner, more resilient Ireland for future generations. The Climate Action Fund is a key part of the plan.

The fund, which is primarily funded by a levy on oil companies, will leverage a multiple of the €500m committed to it by the Government. Under the first round of the scheme, Minister Bruton approved up to €77m for seven projects – which will leverage a total investment of some €300m.

GRAZE

Gas Networks Ireland’s Green Renewable Agricultural Zero Emissions (GRAZE) Gas project was successful in the first round of funding, receiving up to €8.5m.

The funding is being provided to support the installation of the first transmission connected central grid injection (CGI) facility for renewable gas and a grant scheme to support circa 74 compressed natural gas vehicles.

Opportunities

Minister Bruton said: “The opportunities in a low carbon economy are vast, with a big payoff for our economy and society. However, a key challenge is mobilising people to act.

“We need innovative projects which can overcome the barriers, build networks of good practice and act as flagships for others to follow,” he said.

How to apply

Details on how to take part in the expressions of interest process can be found on the Department’s website. Following this process, a call for full applications is expected to open in the coming months.

This approach will help sectors understand the expectations of the scheme and build a pipeline of worthwhile projects. It will also inform the criteria for the full call for applications in the coming months.

An information session for interested parties will be held in early February 2020.

The deadline for receipt of input is Friday 28 February 2020.

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