HC Deb 27 April 1998 vol 311 cc25-6W
Mr. Boswell

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans she has to introduce a unified consent system for offshore wind generation installations. [39587]

Mr. Battle

Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 provides the legislative basis for an existing system for the construction, extension and operation of electricity generating stations exceeding 50 Megawatts of installed capacity. Offshore wind energy stations exceeding 50 Megawatts of installed capacity are embraced by these arrangements and separate arrangements exist under the Coastal Protection, Food and Environmental Protection, and Transport and Works Acts for offshore wind energy generating stations which do not exceed 50 Megawatts. I am currently considering representations I have received from the British Wind Energy Association on these arrangements.