§ Mr. Beggs:To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what action she is taking to support derogations in support of applications to build new hydro-electric developments; and if she will make a statement; [143196]
(2) what measures she is taking to support small and medium size companies promoting hydro-electric generating projects. [143197]
§ Mr. Timms:Output from some hydro-electric generating stations attracts support under the Renewables Obligation (RO), a market driven support mechanism that creates an assured market for renewables generators through to 2027.
Specifically, hydro generating stations which meet the following criteria qualify for support under the RO:
hydro stations under 20MW, subject to their fulfilling requirements on refurbishment;hydro stations of 1.25 MW or less that were built before 1990 that have always been in private ownership are eligible for the Obligation without having to refurbish;all other stations up to a maximum capacity of 20MW and built before 1990 must refurbish to qualify;all new stations commissioned after April 2002 will qualify.Since the introduction of the RO, evidence shows an increase in the number of new hydro and refurbished hydro stations coming online. This year three new small hydro developments have received consent and a further eight applications are currently under consideration.
Grants are also available for small community or household schemes under the Clear Skies initiative.