HC Deb 31 January 1983 vol 36 cc13-4
16. Mr. Chapman

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on the progress of research into alternative forms of energy with particular reference to wind, wave and solar systems.

Mr. Gray

Progress continues on research into alternative sources; wind, geothermal and passive solar being the most promising.

Mr. Chapman

I appreciate that the latest evidence suggests that alternative forms of energy can make only a marginal and modest contribution to our total energy requirements, but does my hon. Friend agree that they could nevertheless make a significant contribution in certain localities of our country? Will he confirm that research funds have been increased in previous years and that there is no duplication in research between Britain and, for example, other countries of the EC?

Mr. Gray

I can confirm to my hon. Friend that this year our programme is expected to be in the region of £11 million to £12 million and is likely to continue at that level. We have concentrated on the most promising tech-nologies, which are wind, geothermal and passive solar. There is, of course, other research going on, but we endeavour to ensure that there is not too much duplication. It is almost impossible to avoid a degree of duplication, but that is kept to a minimum.

Mr. Penhaligon

Will the Minister confirm that to date the geothermal experiments carried out in Cornwall have been extraordinarily successful? Will he let the House know precisely when he expects to announce the new contract, how much it will be for and what is the hold-up? To be honest, we all expected that the announcement would have been made by now.

Mr. Gray

The hon. Gentleman is absolutely correct. Along with wind energy, geothermal energy shows the most potential. The major item of expenditure will be incurred in developing the extraction of heat from hot, dry rocks beneath the earth's surface. The second phase of this work, which has been very successful, is expected to cost approximately £10.3 million, of which the Department of Energy will provide about £9 million. I hope that it will not be too long before a final announcement is made.

Mr. Forman

What will be done to develop wind energy beyond what has already been developed on the Orkneys?

Mr. Gray

The experimental work on the Orkneys is still going ahead. I can confirm to my hon. Friend that the best available advice shows that this source is likely to be more expensive per unit of electricity than hot rock geothermal energy, but nevertheless it compares favourably with wave energy, for example.