§ Mr. David StewartTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on his Department's policy on offshore wind farms. [120226]
§ Mrs. Liddell[holding answer 2 May 2000]I refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Harrow, West (Mr. Thomas) today.
Mr. Gareth R. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what actions are being taken to promote the development of a UK manufacturing, supply, installation and maintenance industry relating to wind energy, with particular reference to offshore wind energy; and if he will make a statement. [119923]
§ Mrs. LiddellSupport provided under the Non-Fossil Fuel Obligation (NFFO), the Scottish Renewables Obligation (SRO), and my Department's research and development programme for renewable energy has contributed to the development of the wind industry. The first two UK offshore wind turbines are to be installed this year and developers are now looking to see how wind energy can be deployed more widely offshore.
The Government are taking powers in the Utilities Bill currently before Parliament to promote the development of renewable energy through a new Obligation on electricity suppliers. The intention is that this would include both onshore and offshore wind and would create a market for renewable energy until 2025. Support under existing NFFO and SRO contracts will be maintained. There will be no new rounds of NFFO and SRO contracts.
The Government are also looking at the possibility of some limited additional support for offshore wind and energy crops. However, Government acting alone will not be sufficient to meet the challenge ahead and industry is expected to play an important part.