EU Connects West-Midlands presents a project the aim of which is to develop and demonstrate an innovative mechanism for improving energy efficiency and renewable energy use in industrial sites and at the same time, in low income households. It will be a financing mechanism using income from one sector to finance measures in households.

The project will improve the energy performance of industrial buildings and install PV [photovoltaic] panels. The income from selling electricity to building users will pay for household action. The PV panels will be owned by a third party eg developer, installer, local authority. Industrial/business/commercial/public buildings will benefit by reduced energy costs and help in meeting energy and carbon obligations/targets - households will also have lower energy bills which will help address "fuel poverty". Property values will also benefit. An interactive website will relate the experience.

Possible partners include: local energy actors eg agencies, local/regional authority officers; renewable energy developers/installers; financial sector; industry/business/commercial building owners/managers.

Keywords: energy education, energy efficiency, renewable energies, photovoltaics, electricity, IEE2, ALTENER

Contact: Katherine Shepherd - k.shepherd@wmlga.gov.uk