RDPE bioeNErgy support programme

The bioeNErgy support programme is a two year programme of grant intervention with the aim to strengthen and develop the emerging bio-energy sector in the North East region. Funding is provided by Defra and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) through the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE), Northwoods have been tasked by One NorthEast (the NE Regional Development Agency) with facilitating the programme. The programme is a part of Solutions for Business, the Government's package of publicly funded business support designed to help companies start and grow. There is £1.1 million grant aid available throughout the life of the programme, set to run until March 2011.

If you are a rural business working in biomass supply chains you could benefit from this scheme. 

Funding is available for capital items from harvesters and forwarders to log splitters and firewood processors, and infrastructure such as woodfuel storage areas and forest access roads.  Other items also eligible through the scheme include market research, start-up costs and R&D.

If you think you could benefit from this source of funding and wish to find out more or discuss a project idea please contact the bioeNErgy Project Officer Jill Platten. To submit an Expression of Interest form click here, or for more details please see the Guidance Notes attached below.

Further information on bioeNErgy

Jill.Platten@ruraldevelopment.org.uk      Tel: 07920 102712 / 01670 513292

BioeNErgy funding is being made available through the Rural Development Programme for England, which is jointly funded by Defra and the European Union and managed by One NorthEast.

RDPE : other opportunities available for foresters and woodland owners

• EU - The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in rural areas http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/rurdev/index_en.htm
• Defra - www.defra.gov.uk
• One NorthEast -  www.onenortheast.co.uk

Need more suppport?

Business Link can provide independent advice on the right business support options. For more information visit www.businesslink.gov.uk