Scientists at Harwell have won a £2m deal to co-ordinate an international bid to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

AEA Technology Environment staff are to manage International Energy Agency efforts to cut emissions by spreading information on the best energy and environmental technology and practices around the globe.

The agency's Greentie and Caddet programmes, launched several years ago, allow countries to share information about energy efficiency, renewable energy and other greenhouse gas-friendly technologies.

They aim to curb global warming, which is predicted

to cause rising sea levels, severe weather and the loss of tropical forests during this century.

AEA Technology's energy technology support unit (ETSU) has been awarded three contracts to manage the Greentie energy efficiency and Caddet renewable energy programmes.

The contracts are worth nearly £1m a year over two years and may be extended for a further two years.

Under the Caddet programmes, the team will circulate information about energy efficiency schemes and renewable technology via the Internet. Abingdon-based M E Thornton Internet will work with AEA Technology to redevelop and maintain Internet sites for the programmes.

Through the Greentie programme, the team will

identify technology that could help developing countries to reduce emissions. A website will be maintained to ensure that developing countries can easily find suppliers of the necessary services and technology.

Richard Shock, of AEA Technology, said: "Technology already exists to help industry substantially reduce emissions.

"We simply need to tell people about it and persuade them to use it.

"It is estimated that the UK economy alone could operate with 20 per cent less energy, and therefore produce significantly less greenhouse gas, by using technology that is already proven and readily available."