§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy how many gas turbine, wind and landfill gas projects capable of producing up to 5,000 MW of electricity there are in Britain; and how many such companies have gone into receivership since the Government first announced their privatisation plans.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonThe information is as follows:
Gas Turbines
The CEGB currently has 11 gas turbine power stations having a declared net capacity of around 2,500 MW.Wind Energy
There are nearly 30 known grid-connected or otherwise significant wind energy installations with a total installed capacity of around 8 MW.Landfill Gas
There are 13 known existing projects totalling 16 MW installed capacity.None of the above is known to have gone into receivership.
§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy when he last met the Association of Independent Electricity Producers; what was discussed; and if he will commission a survey to discover how electricity privatisation will affect smaller generating companies.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerMy right hon. Friend last met the Association of Independent Electricity Producers on 19 October to discuss developments in our thinking on privatisation and my Department will continue to keep them in touch with progress. We are confident our proposals for the ESI will offer good prospects for independent generation. I do not see the need for a survey.