HC Deb 25 January 1988 vol 126 cc17-8W
15. Mr. Speller

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what plans he has to support research and development into water-generated electricity in the immediate and in the longer term.

Mr. Michael Spicer

My Department will continue to support any renewable energy electricity generation scheme which shows promise of economic viability in the commercial market.

19. Mr. Mans

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what proportions of the anticipated electricity generation for the next 10 years will be met by(a) nuclear, (b) coal-fired, (c) oil-fired, (d) hydro, and (e) other, power stations.

Mr. Michael Spicer

At present the industry estimates that in 1998 the proportions of electricity generating capacity in England and Wales would be:

per cent.
(a) nuclear 14
(b) coal fired 60
(c) oil fired 17
(d) hydro 3
(e) others 5

It will, of course, be for the privatised industry to make its own investment plans.

21. Mr. Stern

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he has any plans to encourage the casual production of electricity as a by-product of other industrial processes.

Mr. Michael Spicer

The production of electricity associated with heat for industrial use is already widespread. I hope to see expansion in this field.