§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions she has had with other Departments and Government bodies to encourage them to increase their use of renewable energy. [18350]
§ Mr. WilsonMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and I regularly communicate with the Minister for the Environment and other Green Ministers on matters including the promotion of renewable energy in departments and other public bodies.
The Green Ministers have set a target for 31 March 2003 for at least 5 per cent. of Government Departments' electricity to come from renewable sources that are exempt from the climate change levy, or from self-generation, and for 31 March 2008 for at least 10 per cent. to be obtained from such sources, provided that this does not entail excessive cost. The target will be reviewed by 31 March 2003.
Earlier in the year my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry wrote to her Green Ministerial colleagues calling for Departments to give active consideration to the use of solar-photovoltaic (PV) panels on Government buildings in support of a major market stimulation programme and to provide a highly visible demonstration of the Government's commitment to renewable energy.
All facilities managers for the Government Estate have been issued with guidance on the use of PV, and Government buildings are eligible to apply for funding under the DTI's Large-Scale Buildings Integrated PV programme.