§ Jim DobbinTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the effects of recent trends in investment in renewable energy and upon the residents of Heywood and Middleton. [168434]
§ Mr. TimmsRecent trends in renewable energy investment have been highly encouraging. More new capacity has been constructed in the last few years than in the previous decade, and a significant amount is currently in the pipeline. This covers a wide range of technologies including onshore and offshore wind, solar and biomass.
While this investment has not translated into capacity within Heywood and Middleton itself, Renewables Northwest, a join: venture between the Regional Development Agency. and United Utilities, has been working with local businesses on identifying opportunities in the renewable energy area.