§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had with Ministers and officials in the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions about co-ordinating renewable and sustainable energy projects and the regeneration programme. [131993]
§ Mrs. LiddellOfficials in DTI and DETR keep in touch with each other on matters relating to regeneration and sustainable energy projects.
The location of renewable energy projects is determined largely by the availability of resources and ease of connection to the electricity supply system.
Earlier this year my hon. Friend the Minister for Housing and Planning announced a strategic approach to renewable energy planning. Under the leadership of the Government Offices for the Regions, regional assessments and targets for renewable energy provision are being prepared based upon, and where necessary updating, resources studies. It is our intention that Regional Development Agencies will have a key role to play in this work.