HC Deb 05 April 1990 vol 170 cc813-4W
Mr. Speller

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy how many non-fossil fuel obligation projects he expects to accept; and what will be the criteria used in assessing the project for acceptance in the obligation.

Mr. Baldry

In setting the level of the non-fossil fuel obligation to be placed on the public electricity suppliers in respect of renewables-sourced electricity generating capacity, my right hon. Friend will have regard to the amount of capacity that could be secured through projects that are ready to sign contracts with the PESs. However, the arrangements that the public electricity suppliers make in order to meet their respective obligations are a matter for the suppliers themselves.

Mr. Speller

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy how many projects and for what capacity his Department expects to apply for inclusion in the non-fossil fuel obligation; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Baldry

The public electricity suppliers have received applications from over 300 renewables-sourced electricity generating projects, representing between 1 and 2 GW of capacity, for contracting within the non-fossil fuel obligation. These are now being processed by the PESs, and my right hon. Friend proposes to make an order in the early summer to reflect the amount of capacity that would be secured though those projects that are ready to sign contracts.

Dr. Michael Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what is the intended duration of contracts for purchased wind power under the renewable energy tranche of the non-fossil fuel quota; and whether such contracts will be renewable under similar terms at the expiry of that period.

Mr. Baldry

The first order setting the level of the non-fossil fuel obligation in respect of renewables-sourced electricity generating capacity will cover the period from 1990 until 1998. The arrangements that the public electricity suppliers make in order to meet their respective obligations are a matter for the suppliers themselves. In deciding what terms to offer to renewables-sourced generators after 1998 the suppliers will wish to take account of the extent of any non-fossil fuel obligation beyond 1998. The Government expect to take decisions on this in 1994.