§ Mr. RostTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will classify the number of renewable energy projects submitted to his Department for approval in the first tranche of renewable energy, according to which renewable technology and the total electrical capacity proposed for each category of renewables.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonBy the beginning of 1990 sponsors of some 350 projects, totalling around 2 GW of nominal capacity, had informed the precursors to the public electricity suppliers of their interest in contracting for renewables within the initial non-fossil fuel obligation.
This total included a certain amount of double-counting, since some projects were regarded by their sponsors as alternatives while others were competing projects from different sponsors. Other projects have not, in the event, been ready to contract within the initial order. Subject to those qualifications, the main categories of projects submitted were: landfill gas (80 projects, 110 MW nominal); waste incineration (60 projects, 800 MW nominal); and wind (130 projects, 500 MW nominal). Other projects submitted were for hydro, biogas, and tidal schemes.
My right hon. Friend plans to make an order setting the initial level of the non-fossil fuel obligation in respect of renewables-sourced electricity generation in the late summer. Projects that are not ready to contract under that order will have the opportunity to do so under subsequent orders.