Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will set out the financial or other resource contributions made by his Department to renewable energy research undertaken at(a) the Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth and (b) the Centre of Solar Energy at University college, Cardiff; and whether he has any plans to increase contributions to these centres.
§ Mr. MoynihanMy Department has a substantial programme to promote the use of renewable energy. However, we have not funded any research at the centre for alternative energy nor at the centre of solar energy at University college, Cardiff.
§ Miss WiddecombeTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy when the first non-fossil fuel obligation order for renewables came into force; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. BaldryThe first order for renewables under the non-fossil fuel obligation came into force on 29 September 1990.
The order was set in accordance with advice from the Director General of Electricity Supply and specifies the initial levels of renewables-sourced electricity generating capacity that the 12 regional electricity companies in England and Wales are required to have available from 1 October 1990 until 31 December 1998. They will build up to 102.25 MW declared net capacity at April 1995.
As a result of this order, 75 projects have been contracted by the 12 regional electricity companies and have been approved by the Director General of Electricity Supply as meeting the requirements of the Electricity Act 1989. If these projects come to fruition they will total a declared net capacity of 152.1 MW.
Over half the 75 projects are new projects, which would not have proceeded without the benefit of the above market price available under the non-fossil fuel obligation.
The 75 projects are made up of 25 landfill gas, 26 hydro, eight bio-gas, seven waste incineration and nine wind.