HC Deb 07 July 1980 vol 988 c44W
Mr. Skinner

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the level of current expenditure on research into wind power and tidal and wave power, solar radiation, geothermal power, and directly manufactured hydrogen.

Mr. John Moore

Within an estimated total of about £11 million to be spent by my Department in the current year on the alternative sources of energy, £9.9 million has been allocated as follows:

£M
Wind 1.0
Tidal 1.6
Wave 3.5
Solar 1.7
Geothermal 2.1

The balance has not yet been allocated between the alternative sources. Research into the manufacture of hydrogen is not financed by my Department.

Mr. Skinner

asked the Secretary of State for Energy, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Bolsover, Official Report, 9 June, column 41, if he will list in detail the research and development projects into alternative sources of energy which cost £7 million in 1979–80 and £11 million in 1980–81.

Mr. John Moore

My Department's renewable energy sources R&D programme is currently supporting nearly 300 projects in the solar, geothermal, wind, wave and tidal fields. It is my intention to publish details of these projects in the Department's register of energy research, development and demonstration in the United Kingdom. The part of the register covering renewable energy sources projects is expected to be available by this autumn. I shall arrange for a copy to be placed in the Library of the House.

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