Mr. Gareth R. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he will announce a new programme of support for offshore wind energy projects; and if he will make a statement. [124680]
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§ Mrs. LiddellThe Government fully recognise the importance of offshore wind in reaching the target of providing 10 per cent. of the UK's electricity from renewable energy by 2010.
As I mentioned in the "Conclusions in Response to the Public Consultation" on renewable energy, the Government are looking at the possibility of some limited additional support for offshore wind (and energy crops). The renewable energy industry has also been consulted as part of the DETR—led consultation on the Energy Efficiency Measures under the Climate Change Levy package, on how a part of the £50 million Levy Fund might be used to promote renewables.