§ Mr. David StewartTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the future prospects for offshore wind farm development. [136310]
§ Mrs. Liddell[holding answer 6 November 2000]: The development of wind energy, both onshore and offshore, will make a significant contribution towards meeting our targets for renewable energy. Energy generated from both onshore and offshore wind installations will benefit from the proposed Renewables Obligation to be placed on electricity suppliers.
In addition, my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister announced last month a total of £89 million from the Government and the New Opportunities Fund for capital grants for electricity generation from offshore wind and energy crops.
My Department, in consultation with other Departments and potential developers, is working to introduce a streamlined consents procedure for proposed offshore wind energy projects.
Construction of the UK's first offshore wind project at Blyth is now complete, and the turbines are expected to start generating electricity soon.