HC Deb 07 November 1988 vol 140 cc6-7
5. Mr. Chapman

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what is his latest estimate of the percentage of United Kingdom energy supplies met by renewable sources; and if he will make a statement about the potential for raising this figure.

Mr. Michael Spicer

Our research and development programme indicates that fuel from waste and energy from wind and tidal sources are the most promising renewable technologies for the future. Each could provide up to 3 per cent. of our total energy requirements by the year 2025.

Mr. Chapman

As my hon. Friend's reply seems to show that the potential for renewable sources to meet part of Britain's energy needs is greater than was thought a few years ago, does he agree that it is essential to continue Government funding for research? Will he confirm that, under this Government, such funds for research have more than quadrupled?

Mr. Spicer

I confirm that there has been a substantial increase in research into renewable energies, as my hon. Friend has said. I confirm also that it is planned to rise in the near future. My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The Government believe that those varied energy sources are of enormous importance, and the Government are putting a tremendous amount of effort into research into them.

Mrs. Margaret Ewing

In the light of the Secretary of State's claim that he is concerned about workers in the Dounreay area and their future employment prospects, has the Department looked seriously at the possibility of Dounreay being turned into a wind and wave research centre? It would undoubtedly provide employment opportunities for the people who live there. Dounreay is ideally situated because of prevailing weather conditions.

Mr. Spicer

Parts of Scotland are attractive from the point of view of wind power, and the Orkneys are an example. That is why wind power development has taken place in that part of the country. Further plans and developments may be possible, but developments are a matter for power generating companies. We have every reason to believe that more and more private power companies will come forward with projects based upon renewable sources, and they may take place in Scotland.