§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy when he last released financial aid for research into cleaner coal-fired power stations; and when he will be releasing further aid for research into this subject.
§ Mr. BaldryOn 16 July my Department announced details of a £2.5 million research package for the development of clean coal technologies. The package covered three projects—the design of high temperature high pressure filters for advanced clean coal technologies (for example, pressurised fluidised bed combustion combined cycle and integrated gasification combined cycle systems); research into reducing nitrogen oxide emissions; and modifying combustion processes to reduce harmful emissions contributing to acid rain. My Department's contribution to these projects will be £1.2 million. A copy of the press notice for this announcement is in the Libraries of the House.
A number of further possible clean coal technology projects are being worked up in collaboration with United Kingdom industry, the European Commission and the International Energy Agency.