UPDATE 1-EIB, banks to lend 1.4 bln pounds for UK wind farms
* Another 700 mln pounds could be available by late 2010
* Similar offshore wind loan scheme unlikely
(Recast; adds quotes, details throughout)
By Kwok W. Wan
LONDON, Nov 10 (Reuters) - The European Investment Bank and three commercial banks, including Lloyds Banking Group (LLOY.L), will provide 1.4 billion pounds in loans ($2.33 billion) to help finance onshore wind projects in Britain.
British finance minister Alistair Darling said on Tuesday that he hoped this example would encourage other governments to start similar schemes to promote low-carbon energy projects.
"As far as I'm concerned, this will never happen unless you've got complete government support at every possible level," Darling said at a seminar in London.
Energy Minister Ed Miliband said the loans were part of the government's plan to inject much-needed liquidity to secure development of clean energy, hit by the credit crunch, and grow Britain's low-carbon sector. Continued...



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