§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many wind farms currently operate in the United Kingdom; and how many are planned over the next three years. [4715]
§ Mr. PageI have been asked to reply.
At 30 September 1995, 37 wind projects, including 28 wind farms, were operating in the United Kingdom through contracts made under the first two renewables non-fossil fuel obligation orders for England and Wales, the first Northern Ireland NFFO order and the first Scottish renewables order—SRO. Up to three more wind farms are likely to become operational under NI-NFFO 1. The second NI-NFFO order has yet to be made. It is too early to estimate how many more wind farms under SRO-1 will become operational.
Of the 31 wind farm contracts made under NFFO 3 for England and Wales, about 20 are expected bo be commissioned; none is yet operating. In addition, 24 smaller wind projects under 1.6 MW DNC were offered NFFO contracts, none of which has yet been commissioned.
I announced in answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Rochford (Dr. Clark) on 2 November 1995, Official Report, columns 441–44, the proposals for a fourth NFFO order for England and Wales for a further 400 to 500 MW of renewables-generated electricity. As part of these proposals, the Government are considering separate bands for new generating stations including one for wind power split into two bands catering for large wind farms and for small cluster/single machines. The order is expected to be made in 1997. Also on 2 November 1995 I announced proposals for a second Scottish renewables order for 70 to 80 MW of renewables-generated electricity. As part of these proposals, the Government arc considering four separate bands for generating stations including one for wind power. The order is expected to he made in 1996.