§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what research into wave power is currently being funded by the Government. [85955]
§ Mr. Battle[holding answer 8 June 1999]: The EPSRC announced its new £3.5 to £4 million per year Renewable and New Energy Technologies Programme in March 1999. The programme's remit covers renewable supply technologies, including marine (wave and tidal current) power and the first call for proposals closed on 14 May 1999. 131 outline proposals have been received, of which 15 are for wave energy projects. The outline proposals will be considered by an advisory panel later this month, following which full proposals for the most promising projects will be evaluated through EPSRC's peer review process.
In addition, on 30 March this year I announced the launch of a new wave power research programme as part of my Department's New and Renewable Energy Programme. I expect that programme to monitor the development of projects contracted under the third Scottish Renewables Order and to support research, development and demonstration projects which can contribute to the development and assessment of wave power. Since my announcement officials at DTI have received several outline proposals from researchers and will consider these further in the light of decisions taken on outline proposals already submitted to the EPSRC programme.