§ Mr. SpellerTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will provide additional incentives to renewable energy generators in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonMy Department is already providing substantial incentives. We support a major research and development programme aimed at developing commercially viable and environmentally acceptable renewable technologies to contribute to future energy supply. Over £50 million is earmarked for expenditure on renewable projects during the next three years. Provision for 1990–91 is around £20 million.
Renewables also benefit from the non-fossil fuel obligation.
§ Mr. SpellerTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what is his current estimate of the maximum potential for renewable generating capacity on the United Kingdom electricity network.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonThe most recent estimates of the potential contribution from renewable energy sources were published in energy paper 55, "Renewable Energy in the UK: The Way Forward", copies of which are in the Library of the House.