Combined Heat and Power

HC Deb 20 May 1985 vol 79 cc285-6W

Mr. D. E. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what research his Department has conducted into combined heat and power technology.

Mr. David Hunt

The Government have been examining the feasibility and economic case for combined heat and power and district heating in the United Kingdom and has published the following reports.Energy Paper No. 20 — District heating combined with electricity generation in the United Kingdom—1977 Energy Paper No. 35—Combined Heat and electrical power generation in the United Kingdom—1979 Energy Paper No. 53—Combined Heat and Power District Heating Feasibility Programme: Stage 1 — 1984

On 5 April 1984 my right hon. Friend announced that the Government were ready to encourage the formation of local consortia. As my right hon. Friend announced on 25 January 1985, the Government are prepared to offer grant assistance of up to £250,000 each to Belfast, Edinburgh and Leicester consortia to undertake further studies into CHP provided that the major participation in the development of such schemes comes from the private sector.