April 8, 2002—Thousands of offices across the UK are set to be powered by cleaner energy as part of a 20 million solar power program approved March 26, 2002 by Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt. As a result of this investment, the number of solar power—or photovoltaic— installations in the UK is expected to increase tenfold by 2005.
The money is being made available through the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Major Photovoltaics Demonstration Programme (PV MDP) and will help reduce carbon emissions and significantly cut the cost of solar technology over the next three years. Grants will be offered to the private and public sector to install solar systems on new or existing buildings.
This announcement builds on other DTI solar energy initiatives recently announced by Energy Minister Brian Wilson, including: 4 million of funding for the installation of solar systems on public buildings including schools, galleries, church halls, and sports centers all over the UK; and 4 million for sun-powered social and private housing developments across the UK.
For more information visit the DTI and click on the title “Design Study for First Phase of the Major PV Demonstration Programme—Executive Summary.”
