National Energy Research Centre

HC Deb 15 April 2003 vol 404 c106W

Llew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what additional resources will be provided(a) to establish and (b) to operate the new national energy research centre; and whether the centre's remit will include research, development and demonstration of nuclear options.[107578]

Mr. Wilson

The Research Councils have been allocated £28 million over 2003–6 to fund research in support of a Sustainable Energy Economy. They propose to provide £8–12 million from the programme, over five years, to establish the UK Energy Research Centre and to provide for research at the Centre and for the co-ordination of a National Energy Research Network.

A Scientific Advisory Committee is being established to advise the Councils on the emphasis and scope of the programme and of the Centre. However, it is envisaged that the National Energy Research Network would encompass a broad range of energy research.