Funding for solar energy projects

A Northumberland company is to share £1.5m of government money aimed at boosting solar energy schemes.

The New and Renewable Energy Centre (NaREC) building at Blyth develops renewable energy technologies.

The building will now be fully refurbished to incorporate a state-of-the-art glass-photovoltaic rain screen and canopy.

Projects receiving the funding were due to be announced by Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks on Tuesday.

Mr Wicks said: "Solar is a clean, green energy source that the government is supporting through this funding programme and which we will continue to support in future with the Low Carbon Building strategy currently being developed.

"The NaREC Building in Blyth has demonstrated that it is a practical and exciting project that will add to the proportion of the UK's energy that comes from renewable sources."