§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much financial support has been given to(a) wind power, (b) solar power, (c) wave power, (d) geothermal power, (e) hydro power and (f) other renewable energy sources in each year since 1972. [80864]
§ Mr. Wilson[holding answer 20 November 2002]: The available information is shown in the table from 1978 onwards. Regrettably, information for 1972, 1973, 1974 and 1975 is not available and the figures for 1976 and 1977 were not broken down into these subject areas.
off shore wind developments as onshore wind is considered to be close to becoming commercially competitive.
There have been five projects commissioned since March 2001, with a total value of £356,898, that could be considered as onshore related. These have looked primarily at the impact of onshore wind farms on Radar and Aviation interests.
71W
§ Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many of the most recent development plans of local authorities in England and Wales make specific mention of renewable energy plans; and how many of these include technology-specific policies. [85320]
§ Mr. Wilson[holding answer 3 December 2002]: That information is not held centrally.
Planning is a devolved matter. In England, local planning authorities are required, in formulating the policies in their development plans, to have regard to any regional and strategic planning guidance and to current national policies. Development Plans should therefore take account of Planning Policy Guidance Note 22, Renewable Energy, and formulate policies on renewable energy which are relevant to the local planning authority's area.
In Wales, local planning authorities submit Unitary Development Plans for scrutiny by the Assembly to ensure regard is paid to national planning policy outlined in Planning Policy Wales and Technical Advice Note 8, Renewable Energy.
§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what targets she has to increase the use of renewable energy supplies; and how she intends to achieve the targets. [86301]
§ Mr. WilsonThe Government have set a target that 10 per cent. of electricity will be generated from eligible renewable sources by 2010.
The Renewables Obligation Order, which came into force on 1 April 2002, is the primary instrument for the expansion of renewable energy in the UK. Licensed electricity suppliers are required to obtain specified proportions of their electricity from eligible renewable sources. The level of the Obligation will rise each year to reach 10.4 per cent. by 2010–11.
The Renewables Obligation is being backed by over £250 million of direct support measures to bring forward newer renewable energy technologies. This provides a substantial incentive to renewable energy generation in the UK.
Qualifying renewable energy sources are also exempt from the Climate Change Levy to further assist the expansion of renewable energy.