HC Deb 26 February 2004 vol 418 cc399-401
4. Andrew Rosindell (Romford) (Con)

If she will make a statement about the prospects for achieving the 2010 renewable energy target. [156255]

The Minister for Energy, E-Commerce and Postal Services(Mr. Stephen Timms)

The target that 10 per cent. of our electricity should come from renewable sources by 2010 is certainly achievable. That has been confirmed by my Department's renewables innovation review, which we shall publish on our website shortly. We have also put in place a framework of measures that we are confident will deliver that target.

Mr. Rosindell

I take it from the Minister's reply that he expects the Government to achieve the target that they have set out, despite the fact that the current 3 per cent. target is not even being met, and that industry leaders believe that the 10 per cent. target for 2010 is unrealistic. Does the Minister now accept that the Government's preference for and reliance on expensive, unsightly and unreliable wind turbines will not achieve the 10 per cent. goal? Does he agree that, if we are to get anywhere near that target, the Government must diversify the types of renewable energy sources that they prefer and use?

Mr. Timms

No, I do not agree. The target is certainly realistic, and we have made a lot of progress towards it. We certainly had a low starting point—the previous Conservative Government expressed little if any interest in renewable energy. We are now, however, making the progress that we need to make. The first big offshore wind farm—at North Hoyle, off the coast near Rhyl— started providing electricity to the grid last autumn. We made a big announcement about further offshore wind developments before Christmas, and I also announced in December an extension of the renewables obligation forward to 2015, to boost investor confidence. That, too, is helping. I welcome the projection announced this week by the British Wind Energy Association that 500 MW of wind capacity will be built this year, and 750 MW next year. We are making substantial progress and focusing very attentively on ensuring that we hit the target.

Miss Anne Begg (Aberdeen, South) (Lab)

Perhaps I can help the Minister in giving his answer to the hon. Member for Romford (Mr. Rosindell). Many exciting developments beyond wind power are being researched at Robert Gordon university in my constituency, involving obtaining energy from the marine environment, particularly tidal races. I know that the Minister is in Aberdeen quite often. The next time he is in the city, will he undertake to visit the university to look at those developments and to see how they can help to fulfil the renewables obligation?

Mr. Timms

I know of the work to which my hon. Friend refers. A DTI-supported wave power device has been plugged in at the marine energy test centre in Orkney this week—a centre supported by the DTI, along with the Scottish Executive. As my hon. Friend says, there are some very attractive developments in wave and tide power, and also in other renewable energy technologies. I expect them to make a substantial contribution to UK electricity generation, but probably in the period beyond 2010 rather than before it.

Richard Ottaway (Croydon, South) (Con)

The Minister will be aware that Powergen is trying to build a wind farm on the breakwater at Portland Harbour, but is he also aware that the Royal Yachting Association has described the harbour as one of the most important areas for recreational and competitive sailing in the UK"? Is he aware that it has now been established as a site for the Olympic games? Given all that, would it not be a good idea for him to have a word with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and engage in some joined-up government? Will he confirm that this particular proposal will not have his support?

Mr. Timms

I am aware of the project, and of the hon. Gentleman's interest in it. I have also seen the press coverage. As Powergen has made clear, the project is at a very early stage and a good deal of consultation will be required, as well as an impact assessment. All the factors that the hon. Gentleman has mentioned will be taken fully into account during that process.

Mr. Bill O'Brien (Normanton) (Lab)

I support the Government's programme for renewable energy and its extension beyond 2010. Would my hon. Friend consider clean coal technology as a source of renewable energy that would also renew jobs in mining, and could make a substantial contribution to energy production?

Mr. Timms

I think that that could make an important contribution to a low-carbon economy in the future. That is why, for some time, we have supported research on the subject. I was in Washington last week, and as my hon. Friend knows the Americans are very interested in clean coal technology. We are working on some ideas with them.