§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on progress on the research being carried out at Grimethorpe into the benefits of fluidised bed combustion technology; and when this system is likely to be implemented nationally.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonPreparations for the experimental work at Grimethorpe, which forms part of British Coal's topping cycle project, commenced in October 1989 and I understand that design work is progressing. British Coal is seeking alternative industrial funding following Ahlstrom's recent withdrawal from the project and the Department's offer of 50 per cent. support up to a maximum of £8 million remains on the table. The financing of the project will be reviewed when the position on industrial participation is clearer.
Implementation of this technology would depend upon the success of its development programme. Exploitation of the topping cycle concept will also depend on sufficient confidence that it is economically competitive with other means of power generation.