§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will summarise the evidence on which he based his decision to cease to fund research into power production using ocean waves; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David HuntIt is unlikely that wave energy for large scale use in the United Kingdom will be cost effective since a detailed cost analysis by our consultants has concluded that there is only a low probability of any design achieving an energy cost below 9p/kwhr (1984 money values). It is therefore appropriate to round off our research in this field, although we will be receptive to any realistic new ideas which could lead to major cost reductions. The evidence is summarised in "Wave Energy" ETSU R26, which is in the Library of the House.