§ Mr. SayeedTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what incentives the Government are providing for the expansion of energy generation from fuel cells; and if she will make a statement. [16741]
§ Mr. WilsonThe Department has been supporting fuel cells research and development for many years, through the DTI Sustainable Energy Programme and the Engineering and Physical Science Research Council. Since 1992 the DTI has supported 147 fuel cell projects with a total DTI spend of £11.8 million. The current DTI Programme is spending about £2 million per annum, with the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) spending about the same on basic research related to fuel cells.
The DTI is currently supporting the first UK demonstration of a 200 kW fuel cell combined heat and power unit at Woking borough council. Although there are a number of different fuel cell technologies, significant cost reductions will be necessary before they will be fully commercial for electricity generation.
§ Mr. SayeedTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what targets she has set for the use of fuel cells. [16742]
§ Mr. WilsonFuel cells are not yet fully commercial for electricity generation, and I have not yet set any targets for their use. The Energy Review presently being conducted by the Performance and Innovation Unit is considering the role of new technologies including fuel cells, in conjunction with other energy matters, as part of its review of strategic issues surrounding energy policy. It is due to report to my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister by the end of the year.
Fuel cells may also be used to replace or supplement the internal combustion engine in vehicles. The Government will shortly be issuing a consultation draft of their "Powering Future Vehicles" strategy for promoting the development, introduction and take-up of hybrid, fuel cell and other low-carbon vehicle technologies.