HC Deb 16 December 1991 vol 201 c18W
Mr. Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what his proposals are for his Department's research and development budget for renewable energy beyond the current year.

Mr. Moynihan

My Department's renewable energy research, development and demonstration programme will continue to follow the progressive development strategy published in Energy Paper 55, copies of which were placed in the Library of the House. The programme budget has risen from £20.8 million in 1990–91 to £24 million for the current year.

Mr. Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what proposals he has for the encouragement of DEFBOT—design, finance, build, operate and transfer—financing for those constructors interested in developing renewable sources of energy under the non-fossil fuel order, but not interested in long-term commitments to management of non-fossil fuel plant.

Mr. Moynihan

Developers are proposing a variety of mechanisms for the construction, financing and operation of renewable energy projects which are included in orders under the non-fossil fuel obligation. Comprehensive packages including design, construction and financing may well be the best arrangements in many circumstances and are therefore welcome. We will be monitoring arrangements developers make for projects and will be able to see to what extent this route is followed.

Mr. Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy when he expects to announce the completion of his negotiations with the European Commission regarding the extension beyond 1998 of the Renewable Subsection of the Electricity (Non-Fossil Fuel Sources) England and Wales Order 1991 and levy procedure; what consultations he has held on this with the Director-General of OFFER and the chairmen of the 12 regional electricity companies; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Moynihan

Discussions with the Commission of the European Community about the extension beyond 1998 of the non-fossil fuel obligation for renewable sources of energy have begun. The results of those discussions will be announced in due course.