§ 11. Mr. ButlerTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what recent initiatives he has taken to encourage the development of renewable energy sources.
§ Mr. MoynihanThe Government are establishing an equitable legislative and administrative framework for renewables to compete with other sources of energy. The main focus is the non-fossil fuel obligation under the Electricity Act 1989. Seventy-five renewables projects comprise the initial order laid in September, which will bring to 250 MW the level of renewables-sourced electricity generating capacity in England and Wales.
§ Mr. ButlerWill my hon. Friend update the position regarding the Mersey barrage, which has the potential to generate £1 million worth of clean renewable energy every week?
§ Mr. MoynihanThe Government are supporting a two-phase programme of studies that is being carried out by the Mersey Barrage Company. The cost of phases 1 and 2 is £2 million, to which the Department of Energy is contributing 50 per cent. We are giving all the support possible to the Mersey Barrage Company to ensure that its officials have an opportunity to consult officials from a range of Departments to consider effective cost-benefit analysis. I hope that the project will be economically viable and technically feasible.