§ Mr. Andrew TurnerTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what targets have been sought from or set for each local authority for increasing use of renewable energy; and what funding is contingent upon the achievement of these targets. [64284]
§ Mr. Wilson[holding answer 25 June 2002]The Government are committed to promoting a positive and strategic approach to regional planning for renewable energy development in the UK. Last year, we initiated the preparation of regional studies, including regional assessments of the potential for renewables and targets, representing the practical capacity achievable in regions by 2010. These studies have now been completed and the findings were published by Oxera in February 2002. These findings have also been channelled to my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister's office, who are currently revising the Planning Policy Guidance Note, PPG22, to give local planning authorities more up-to-date guidance on renewables planning.
134WI have also announced the allocation of £1.7 million worth of work in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, to take forward the facilitation of renewable energy planning. In addition, the Scottish Executive will continue to work with local authorities in Scotland on renewables planning. This is the first tranche of funding from the £2.5 million for planning announced by the PIU energy review. In addition to the DTI funding, the bids we received showed that matched funding of over £2 million can be expected from local organisations.
That is a real boost to this work and a very encouraging indication of the interest being taken at local level in renewables planning. This fund will be used to support the development of sub-regional targets and to take forward initiatives such as good practice guidelines and further stakeholder engagement in renewable energy developments.
The Renewables Obligation, which came into force on 1 April 2002, is the main instrument through which renewable energy development will be supported. The Obligation will be backed up by direct Government funding worth over £260 million for the period 2001–04, including the allocation of £74 million for the development of offshore wind projects, £78.5 million for the establishment of energy crops and biomass schemes and £20 million to kick-start a major solar PV demonstration scheme.