Earl Attleeasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is their policy regarding renewable sources of energy for electricity generation. [HL2571]
§ The Minister of State, Department of Trade and Industry (Lord Clinton-Davis)The Government are committed to a new and strong drive to develop renewable energy sources. In November 1997, the Government announced outline policy proposals for the fifth Non-Fossil Fuel Obligation Renewables Order in England and Wales (NFFO-5). The purpose of these orders is to secure additional generating capacity from renewables in order to help them enter the commercial electricity generating market. To date, 227 NFFO projects, comprising over 540 Megawatts (declared net capacity) of renewables generating capacity have been commissioned in the UK. NFFO arrangements currently in train will add about a further 1,000 MW by 2003. The Government expect to make an announcement about NFFO 5 in the autumn.
In June 1997 the Government initiated a review of new and renewable energy policy including what would be necessary and practicable to achieve 10 per cent. of UK's electricity needs from renewables by the year 2010 and what contribution new and renewable technologies could make to meeting greenhouse gas reduction commitments. The review is considering, inter alia, what further government support might be given to encourage the development of all forms of renewable energy. The Government expect to make an announcement about the review later in the summer.