§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Energy what are the latest figures available for the expenditure by the Central Electricity Generating Board on the research and development of more effective methods of storing electrical power; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EadieThe Board keeps possible advanced methods of electricity storage under review and is undertaking appraisals of the two most promising alternatives to pumped water storage schemes—storage of hot water at a power station, and the combined storage of compressed air and heat which is being studied in collaboration with the United States Electric Power Research Institute. Work at present is limited to theoretical assessment and 717W is at a total expenditure level of about £100,000 per annum, but, depending on the outcome of the current studies, expenditure might increase substantially in the future if either system showed sufficient promise for further development.