Brussels, 21/10/2002 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has approved the continued support granted in the United Kingdom to the Energy Efficiency Best Practice Programme (EEBPP) until the end of 2006. The scheme aims to encourage the development and take-up of energy efficient and low carbon technologies and is administered by the "Carbon Trust" of the Department of Trade. It has a budget of £17 million per year (about € 27 million). The scheme provides for: State grants for R&D projects in this field (with the exception of projects for the development of renewable energy sources) and projects relating to innovative products and processes applicable to industry, buildings and transport. All stages of research may be supported and there are no restrictions on the size of beneficiaries. The EEBPP programme was first approved by the Commission in 1995 and since then 200-300 organisations have benefited. The Commission has decided to give its approval again because it is in line with the Community framework for State aid for research and development.