§ Mr. SpellerTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what grant aid is available from the European Community to private generators for the development, promotion and setting up of biomass plants for the production of electricity.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerFinancial support is available from the European Community for demonstration projects in many areas of energy technology including the generation of electricity from biomass. Support of up to 40 per cent. of total project costs may be given. Projects must be novel and economic and must show energy benefits over current technology. The Commission has recently issued a call for proposals and applications must be in the hands of the Commission by noon on 14 April 1989.
Research and development on certain aspects of biomass production, harvesting, conversion and marketing, including fuel production in integrated systems may be supported under Joule, the community's non-nuclear energy R and D programme. Support of up to 50 per cent. may be given. The Commission has also recently issued a call for proposals under this programme and proposals must be submitted before the end of April 1989.
My Department and the energy technology support unit at Harwell give advice and assistance to potential applicants for grants under these programmes. I am arranging for information packages relating to these two programmes to be sent to the hon. Member and to be deposited in the Library of the House.
Investment support for energy projects located in Northern Ireland may also be given under the Community's Valoren programme. Further information about this programme is available from the Department of Economic Development for Northern Ireland.