§ 12. Mr. Sainsburyasked the Secretary of State for Energy what is his latest estimate of the contribution to be expected from renewable sources of energy to total energy consumption by 1982.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Energy (Mr. Alex Eadie)There is expected to be no significant contribution from renewable energy sources by 1982 other than that from hydro power, which is expected to provide about 2 million tons coal equivalent given average rainfall.
§ Mr. SainsburyWill the Minister accept that, if we are to change this lamentable state of affairs, we need to take more urgent action on the recommendations of the Select Committee on Science and Technology and also make a greater contribution from the available funds for research directed to renewable sources of energy rather than merely to nuclear sources?
§ Mr. EadieMy right hon. Friend and my hon. Friend have said that the recommendation of the Select Committee on Science and Technology is being considered by the Government. As regards Government expenditure, it may be helpful if I inform the House that in wave power it is £2.5 million in two to three years and in solar energy £3.6 million in four years, raising total Government spending in that period to £6 million. 19 Expenditure on geothermal energy is estimated to be £840,000 in three years and on wind energy £160,000 in one year. I agree with the hon. Gentleman, having made inquiries today, that there is no country making any significant contribution, other than with geothermal heat, from other sources of energy. I shall write to the hon. Gentleman with the details of that.
§ Mr. Ronald AtkinsWhen will a decision be taken on the Severn barrage scheme?
§ Mr. EadieI do not think it will be taken tomorrow. I realise my hon. Friend's concern about this scheme. Some further studies are being carried out and, as he knows, there was a report on many aspects of the scheme, including cost.