§ 74. Mr. MacdonaldTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what measures he is taking to promote the use of alternative energy sources.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonWe are supporting a major research and development programme aimed at developing commercially viable and environmentally acceptable renewable technologies to contribute to future energy supply. Over £50 million is earmarked for expenditure over the next three years. Our plans to provide a special place in future for non-fossil fuel energy in the context of a privatised electricity supply industry should give a significant boost to renewable sources of energy. Around 600MW of capacity is being set aside exclusively for renewables during the 1990s as part of the non-fossil fuel obligation. There are clear signs that the obligation has already provided considerable encouragement to the development of renewables.
111WTechnology transfer plans have been developed for each technology classed as economically attractive such as passive solar design of buildings and landfill gas. A wide range of promotional material has been produced to aid commercial deployment and raise awareness about the potential of renewable technologies. This includes our "Review" journal, information bulletins, project profiles and summaries of the results of research programme, technical reports, technical workshops and videos.