HC Deb 09 January 1978 vol 941 cc1249-51
9. Mr. David Price

asked the Secretary of State for Energy how many research or development projects he is currently sponsoring into improved methods of the bulk storage of electricity; and if he will make a statement.

The Under-Secretary of State for Energy (Mr. Alex Eadie)

None. Research and development into methods of bulk electricity storage in England and Wales are the responsibility of the Central Electricity Generating Board. My right hon. Friend's Advisory Council on Research and Development is satisfied that appropriate attention is being given to this subject, and there is nothing I can usefully add by way of a statement to the House.

Mr. Price

Is the Under-Secretary of State aware that that is a most unsatisfactory reply? Is he aware that there is an enormous potential prize to be won here—namely, if we could find an economic method for the bulk storage of electricity, we could reduce by about 25 per cent. to 30 per cent. the need for installed electricity capacity in our supply industry, because it would iron out the peaks and troughs? We could save hundreds of millions of pounds by such a method. Could the Minister and his right hon. Friend take this matter more seriously?

Mr. Eadie

We do take the matter seriously, but I was answering the hon. Member's Question, which involved costs. The CEGB is currently assessing the possibility of two methods of storing off-peak energy for recovery at times of peak demand. These are the storage of hot water at nuclear power stations and the combined storage of compressed air and heat for recovery via a gas turbine. The CEGB also has a watching brief on the requirements involved in the question of battery development. The pumped storage scheme is expected to be sufficient for CEGB needs until the 1990s. The technology of pumped storage is well known to the CEGB.

Mr. Wigley

Does the Under-Secretary agree that none of the research suggests that the Dinorwic project is behind the times but that it is very ambitious? Has he any indication that the CEGB is looking for a further pumped storage scheme for the 1990s?

Mr. Eadie

There is no pumped storage scheme before the Department at present. I have visited Dinorwic and I was impressed. The first set will be in commission in 1981 and the full station should be in commission in 1983.

Mr. Edwin Wainwright

Will my hon. Friend further examine what could be done by using a system such as that which is operating in Wales, I think at Ffestiniog? I know that I have got the name wrong, because, being a Yorkshireman, I have difficulty in pronouncing Welsh names. Will my hon. Friend ensure that this type of system is further advanced throughout the country, especially in parts of Scotland where there is power from water to make the turbines go round and thereby create electricity?

Mr. Eadie

I do not quarrel with what my hon. Friend says. I am sure that Welsh constituents will agree that Dinorwic is not the only place where we have pumped storage. I have already said that the technology is well known to the CEGB although there are no further plans. Such plans would come forward with a change in demand and economics would be taken into account.

Mr. Forman

Is the Minister aware that his earlier answer was disappointing in that it indicated a negative attitude on the part of the CEGB? Will he be more serious about renewable sources of energy and put more effort and money into energy storage?

Mr. Eadie

If the hon. Gentleman will study some of the answers I have given, he will agree, as, I think, will the whole House, that no negative approach is being taken by the CEGB. In answer to his hon. Friend's Question I mentioned ACORD, which will be looking into this whole question sometime this year. This matter is under constant examination and revision.