South East England is one of seven European Union regions that will benefit from a £4.5m green energy investment programme.

The POWER Inter-regional Programme, which is part-funded by £360,000 of South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) financing, supports schemes that increase energy efficiency, build eco-awareness and promote green start-up businesses. 

SEEDA has called on companies that are involved in green projects to bid for funding. With these grants, firms can help build a successful low-carbon economy across Europe and create sustainable jobs in the South East.

Kathy Vuillaume, SEEDA European Programme Manager, said programmes such as POWER had a “crucial” role to play in ensuring the region met its ambitious low-carbon goals.

“This is a real opportunity to get green projects off the ground, partnerships that can influence stakeholders across the region and Europe to take similar action and make change happen.

“I strongly encourage any relevant stakeholders in the field considering such a project with international potential to apply as soon as possible."

The POWER application process will close on Friday, 15 January 2010.

Other regions to receive funding include those in Spain, Italy, Poland, The Netherlands, Sweden and Estonia.