§ Mr. GouldTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on the progress since September 1990 in implementing a programme to develop renewable energy technologies showing promise of commercial viability; and when he will announce the conclusions of the review of future policy.
§ Mr. WakehamMy Department has been undertaking a substantial programme to develop renewable energy technologies consistent with the strategy published in 1988 as Energy Paper 55. For example, my hon. Friend the Member for Lewisham, East (Mr. Moynihan) recently announced further funding of £205,000 for the United Kingdom's first shoreline wave energy system, and a822W £250,000 programme of research into solar energy. Moreover, we have made available considerable financial support through the non-fossil fuel obligation to generators utilising renewable energy technology. The Department's strategy on renewable energy sources is currently being reviewed and I would expect results to be available early in 1992.
§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what proposals he has to amend or reform the current annual round of bidding by promoters of renewable energy projects for approval by the Non-Fossil Fuel Purchasing Agency.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryThe procedures to select projects to be contracted in fulfilment of a non-fossil fuel obligation for renewables are a matter for the regional electricity companies and their agents, the Non-Fossil Purchasing Agency Ltd, which must bear in mind that the Director-General of Electricity Supply has to be satisfied with the arrangements.