Plans for an ambitious multi-million pound programme to improve energy efficiency in homes across the Heads of the Valleys (HoVs) and develop Europe's first low carbon zone have been announced.

The HoV Low Carbon programme is designed to tackle child poverty and fuel poverty, both commitments in the One Wales programme, and will introduce energy reduction measures that have never been undertaken on this large scale in the UK before.

Leighton Andrews, Deputy Minister for Regeneration, said it was anticipated that the fifteen year initiative would ultimately attract tens of millions of pounds of investment.

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It is designed to not only tackle fuel poverty but create a new industry base in the region linked to job creation, skills development and the development of local businesses in the sector.

Mr Andrews said he would be announcing details of the first round of investment and the first low carbon town in the New Year.

He said: "The Low Carbon initiative has the potential to create real benefits for communities in the Heads of the Valleys. Energy costs have a disproportionate impact on household income in deprived areas and less money spent on fuel bills means more money available to spend in the local economy.

"This region was at the centre of the world’s first energy revolution which was based on fossil fuels and we have the opportunity to place the area at the forefront of the future energy revolution involving renewable energy and low carbon housing.

"Rolling out this programme across the region would create the largest Low Carbon Zone of its kind in Europe and Wales would be leading the way in tackling fuel poverty in innovative ways, utilising new technology and creating opportunity at the same time.

"In carrying out this programme we aim to create a hub of renewable energy businesses in the region."

(CD/JM)