23. Dr. Desmond TurnerTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will discuss with interested parties the possibility of introducing a renewables target for 2020 of 30 per cent. [76443]
§ Mr. WilsonI share my hon. Friend's desire to see a very substantial increase in renewable energy generation to help us mitigate the impacts of climate change and to create a more diversified energy market. The aim when setting any target must be to ensure that it is realistic and achievable. Our current target for renewables is that, by 2010,10 per cent. of electricity sales within Great Britain should come from sources eligible for the recently introduced Renewables Obligation. This will represent a substantial but attainable expansion over the course of the decade.
The Performance and Innovation Unit's report on energy policy which was published last February recommended that the target for the proportion of electricity generated from renewable sources should be increased to 20 per cent. by 2020. In the light of the report the Government are carrying out a review of future energy policy with a view to issuing a White Paper in the new year. The review has included extensive 969W consultation and is including consideration of the possibility of introducing an increased renewables target for 2020.
§ Mr. HobanTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the discussions between regional development agencies and her Department on the creation of a commercial market for renewable energy and their relative responsibilities. [78483]
§ Alan JohnsonI recognise the important contribution that regional administrations can make in delivering the Government's demanding targets on renewable energy. Regular discussions are held between the DTI and regional development agencies. These discussions involve Renewables UK, the specialist business unit set up earlier this year to help UK industry to maximise their involvement in renewable energy projects. There has been significant co-operation to date, including the establishment of a fund of £2.5 million allocated to the regional Government Office network to support a range of different activities designed to support the planning and promotion of renewables energy projects and developing targets in regions throughout Britain.
Furthermore, the Government is currently carrying out a review of future energy policy with a view to issuing a White Paper in the New Year. The role of renewables, including the role of regional agencies, will be included in the White Paper.