HC Deb 12 January 1993 vol 216 c709W
Mr. Stern

To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what discussions his Department has had with the European Commission about lifting the 1998 time limit for the non-fossil fuel obligation—NFFO—as it relates to renewable energy sources;

(2) what representations he has received regarding the impact of planning delays on the viability of waste-to-energy schemes included under the 1991 NFFO renewable order.

(3) how many waste-to-energy schemes are included under the 1991 NFFO renewables order; and how many such schemes have (a) received planning consent, (b) failed to receive planning consent and (c) not applied for planning consent.

(4) what role renewable energy schemes, including waste-to-energy, have in achieving Government targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Mr. Eggar

The Government believe that renewable sources of energy can make an important contribution to limiting greenhouse gas emissions. We are currently working towards a figure of 1,000MW of new renewable energy generating capacity in 2000. The Renewable Energy Advisory Group has recommended that the Government should underwrite a floor level of 1,500MW of new renewables in the United Kingdom by the year 2000. This recommendation is under consideration. The Government are considering targets for the specific use of waste to generate energy against the background of the Government target of recycling 50 per cent. of recyclable household waste by the year 2000.

There are 42 waste to energy schemes including landfill gas, in the 1991 NFFO renewables order. Planning consents for such schemes are a matter for the generators who put them forward.

Representations about the effect of planning delays on waste to energy schemes have been received from Cory Environmental and from the hon. Gentleman. I am unable to comment on Cory's application for consent for a waste to energy station at Belvedere as I am acting in a quasi-judicial capacity.

Discussions are in progress with the European Commission on the question of support of renewables beyond 1998.