§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development (1) how he plans to develop renewable energy supplies within broader sustainable development and poverty reduction programmes; [162044]
(2) what steps he is taking to enable developing countries to have equal access to upfront funding for renewable and conventional energy systems. [162043]
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§ Hilary BennOver the past 10 years, DFID has funded about £3.6 million of applied research on renewable energy, covering all the main renewable energy technologies, about half of this in the last four years.
We recognise the importance of access to affordable and reliable energy services to economic growth and development, drawing on the full range of appropriate technology options, including renewable energy. This was a key outcome of the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD), and was included among the range of actions needed to reduce poverty.
As a follow-up to the WSSD, DFID is working with several international networks to promote improved access to energy services, including the Global Village Energy Partnership and the EU Energy Initiative. These programmes involve dialogue with developing countries about their energy needs in support of their poverty reduction objectives. Most countries possess a range of indigenous natural resources that may help meet requirements such cooking, heating, lighting and water pumping. Where they are practical and financially feasible, renewable energy resources may have an important role to play.
In addition, DFID is taking a lead role in discussions with the World Bank about increasing the share of renewable energy in meeting the energy needs of developing countries, wherever this is feasible and financially viable.