Largest low carbon zone proposed for Wales Europe's largest low carbon zone could be created in Wales' Heads of the Valleys (HoV) region, according to plans to combat fuel poverty and child poverty in the area.

The HoV Low Carbon programme would see 40,000 microgeneration units or their equivalent installed in the area over the course of the programme's 15 years.

At the same time 65,000 homes would have their energy efficiency measured with 39,000 energy reduction measures implemented.

As a result, the project is expected to reduce energy bills in the area by £1.7 million, and to help households out of fuel poverty – where they pay one tenth of their income on energy.

Environment, Sustainability & Housing Minister Jane Davidson said: "Energy efficient, greener homes means less money spent on heating and a reduction in the area's carbon footprint. This agenda also provides us with significant economic opportunities.

"This area was at the heart of the industrial revolution that made the modern world and still bares the scars of this period. It now has the opportunity to be at the centre of the green revolution of the 21st Century."

It is hoped that as well as reducing bills, the programme will invite inward investment as well as train local people with skills for the low carbon economy.

Residential property is responsible for the emission of 150 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, according to the Committee for Climate Change, which recommended tackling energy efficiency of existing stock as a priority for meeting climate change targets.

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