§ Lord Burnhamasked Her Majesty's Government:
What plans they are considering to ensure the three-fold increase in the rate of expanding renewable energy by 2010 to meet the European Union-wide target of 12 per cent. of all primary energy from renewables; and [HL4042]
When they intend to bring forward the first Non-Fossil Fuel Order round for offshore wind development; and [HL4043]
Whether there are any outstanding intra-governmental issues to resolve before they announce the first Non-Fossil Fuel Order round for offshore wind development; and [HL4044]
Whether, to meet their targets for expanding renewable energy by 2010, available renewable energy sources (notably wind energy, particularly from offshore sites) will need to be expanded at the maximum practicable rate; and what annual forecasts for offshore wind generation they currently plan to implement from 2000 onwards; and [HL4045]
Whether they intend to set up a one-stop shop to encourage the various interests involved in granting interests to offshore wind installations in the simplification and integration of procedures; and, if so. when they intend to announce the modus operandi of their policy. [HL4046]
54WA
§ Lord Sainsbury of TurvilleOn 30 March the Government published a consultation paper:New and Renewable Energy—Prospects for the 21st Century. The paper confirmed the Government's target of working towards providing 10 per cent. of UK electricity supplies from renewable sources as soon as possible, which it hopes to achieve by 2010. It also identified a range of possible mechanisms to support market simulation. A summary of the responses to that consultation was published on 30 July, and entitled New and Renewable Energy—Prospects for the 21st Century: Analysis of the Responses to the Consultation Paper.
The Government's next step is to develop and implement a New and Renewable Energy Strategy for the next century. That future strategy will have to be formed in the context of the new frameworks being established for the open and competitive energy markets, the Climate Change Levy announced by the Chancellor in the budget, and the UK's future climate change programme.
Offshore wind has the potential to make a substantial contribution to our renewables target. How much of a contribution will depend primarily on the environmental acceptability of offshore wind projects and the technology's cost in comparison to other renewables. My department has commissioned work to analyse the different development consent regimes relevant to offshore wind energy projects. I envisage that developers would be provided with guidance to encourage a unified approach to obtaining offshore development consents.