HC Deb 04 December 2002 vol 395 cc844-5W
Mr. Blunt

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when she last met representatives of the European and Japanese solar photovoltaic industries. [84754]

Mr. Wilson

I and my ministerial colleagues have regular meetings with representatives of the UK and global PV industry to discuss the UK market and the development of PV manufacturing in this country.

Mr. Blunt

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much public funding is available for training and skills development in the solar photovoltaics and solar thermal industries; and if she will make a statement. [84757]

Mr. Wilson

For solar photovoltaics there is no specific funding from central Government for training and skills development. However, funding is available through the Department of Trade and Industry's Renewable Energy Programme and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council's Supergen Programme to support research and development projects. In addition, the Faraday INREB (Integration of New and Renewable Energy in Buildings) Partnership has a particular focus on training. A UK company is also involved in an EU ALTENER project to develop a training course for PV installers under City & Guilds, and there are a number of other training courses being developed in response to the DTFs Major Photovoltaics Demonstration Programme (PV MDP). Finally, the DTI is running an Installer Accreditation scheme under the Management Contract for the PV MDP.

For Solar Thermal, the DTI has funded two projects under its Renewable Energy R&D Programme. One entitled "The Creation of a Training Infrastructure for the Installation of Active Solar Systems" (ETSU Report S/P3/248/REP), and the other under the EU ALTENER Programme, entitled "Training Plumbers to Design and Install Solar Water Heating Systems for Households" (ETSU Report S/P3/272/REP). There is also a network of Solar Clubs around the country, which aim to teach their members the basics of how to install a solar water heating installation for themselves. Finally, it is also the intention that the forthcoming Community and Household Renewables Scheme will also operate an installer accreditation scheme for the installers of small-scale renewable technology installers, including solar water heating systems.