HC Deb 27 April 1981 vol 3 cc504-5
5. Mr. Chapman

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on progress in research on alternative forms of energy.

Mr. John Moore

I will continue to keep the House informed on progress with my Department's research and development programmes on the renewable energy sources.

Mr. Chapman

Alternative forms of energy, such as wind, wave and solar power, can make only a marginal contribution to our total energy requirements in the short term. However, does my hon. Friend agree that their potential in, for example, the twenty-first century will be considerable? If he agrees with that assessment, will he confirm that research now is vital? Is his Department taking especial interest in that research, and is it prepared to increase grants to that end?

Mr. Moore

My hon. Friend is right. We are talking, in the main, about twenty-first century technologies. Under both Conservative and Labour Governments the Department of Energy has put considerable funds to work in this area. Expenditure on long-term research in the renewable areas will be about £13 million in 1981–82, against £11 million in 1980–81, and about £260,000 in 1976–77. Therefore, there is considerable investment in long-term energy research.

Mr. Hooley

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is no need to wait until the twenty-first century for solar and wind power, as research is already well advanced? We require massive investment to build some of the machines and equipment which exist and which have been proven.

Mr. Moore

The main question relates to research. However, the hon. Gentleman is right to say that there is potential for current development in solar and wind power. This development will be undertaken, and is being undertaken, in the open market place by private as well as public corporations. The Government are participating in solar power research and are giving specific support, especially for the Orkney wind development programme. There is research support, but this is an area for private market place development.

Mr. Tom Ellis

Does the Minister agree that the practical feasibility of so-called renewable sources of energy is extremely important when set against our energy consumption? Will he prepare a statement that contains an estimate of the proportion of total energy consumption that will be accounted for by renewable sources of energy in the year 2000, for example?

Mr. Moore

The Government have published figures that include an estimate that by the year 2000 about 2 per cent. of our energy resources are expected to come from renewable sources. Expenditure on research and development in energy being undertaken by the Government and nationalised industries is about £375 million. Large sums of money are being spent on energy R and D in Britain.