§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy how many plans for windfarm developments have been shelved following changes in the non-fossil fuel obligation contract terms from 20-year contracts to eight-year contracts.
§ Mr. MoynihanNo viable projects had to be excluded from contracting under the 1990 Renewables Order because of the limitation on the premium price until 1998. Amongst the projects that succeeded in gaining contracts under that order are five new wind projects.
§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make it his policy to remove the 1998 deadline for premium payments for windfarm developments by a scheme to make payments over a fixed period commencing from the commissioning of each windfarm project.
§ Mr. MoynihanThe Government keep under review whether to seek the Commission's approval to extend the 87W fossil fuel levy beyond 1998. However, I am confident that the regional electricity companies will be able to offer generators acceptable contracts under the proposed 1991 Renewables Order. My Department's forthcoming renewables review will provide an opportunity to consider the longer-term implications.