The Welsh Assembly Government plans to use up to £34 million of European funding to improve energy efficiency in existing homes Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones announced.

Following changes introduced by the European Commission, for the first time European funding will be used to support investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy generation measures.

The move will help cut carbon emissions and fuel bills as well as providing a major boost to support green jobs in Wales.

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The funding will be targeted at those living in Wales' most deprived communities.

It will also contribute to the Assembly Government's commitment to cut annual emissions by 3% a year from 2011.

Mr Jones said: "Making homes more energy efficient is a key part in our ambitions to reduce Wales’ carbon footprint. I am delighted that for the first time we will be able to use European funding to help those who most need it make their homes more energy efficient.

"Improving energy use in the home is also an important step in the delivery of our Green Jobs Strategy for Wales, developing skilled jobs for local people. Domestic energy efficiency is a growing industry, and we have the opportunity to position Wales at its forefront through this investment.

"I will now be looking carefully at the options available to maximise the economic, social and environmental impact of these changes as soon as possible."

(CD/GK)