Mr. Gareth R. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action he is taking to promote energy from biomass sources; and if he will make a statement. [113683]
§ Mr. Ingram[holding answer 9 March 2000]: Short-rotation coppice (SRC) biomass has the potential to make a positive and significant contribution to the generation of electricity from renewable sources and to meet international obligations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Northern Ireland. Grants to encourage planting of short rotation coppice are available under the Woodland Grant Scheme. The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has undertaken extensive research on the agronomic aspects of growing SRC in Northern Ireland and has developed systems for combined heat and power plants based upon biomass from short rotation coppice willow. Two experimental biomass schemes, including the first commercial biomass fuelled combined heat and power plant in the UK, near Londonderry, were assisted under the Energy Demonstration Scheme and the INTERREG II Programme respectively. Both projects were subsequently awarded 15 year contracts by Northern Ireland Electricity plc under its Non-Fossil Fuel Obligation.