§ Bob SpinkTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what policies she is pursuing to encourage a shift towards low-carbon technologies. [154219]
§ Mr. TimmsThe Government are pursuing a wide range of policies and measures to encourage a shift towards low carbon technologies. These are described in the Energy White Paper "Our energy future—creating a low carbon economy" which was published in February 2003. They include giving priority to renewables, promoting energy efficiency and making the EU Emissions Trading Scheme a key part of our future market framework.
Key measures for which the DTI is responsible include the Renewables Obligation and capital grants for renewables, clean coal technology, and carbon capture and storage.
1478WIn addition, the Research Councils support a broad range of energy research, which will be given increased focus and coherence with the establishment of a new UK Energy Research Centre later this year.