§ Brian WhiteTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps the Government are taking toward offering micro-generation technologies to poor African countries. [176844]
Mr. Gareth ThomasDFID does not promote particular technologies but supports initiatives that seek to increase reliable, affordable energy services that meet the needs of the poor. A number of micro technologies at the development stage in the UK have limited prospects in Africa because of problems with accessing secure primary energy supplies, particularly by the poor.
DFID has funded £3.6 million of research since 1992 for the development and promotion of more renewable energy supplies, especially for rural communities. This has covered a wide range of technologies, including wind, small hydropower, solar photovoltaic, solar thermal and biomass. DFID has also seconded experts and provided over £9 million of funding over and above UK contributions to the multilateral system to three relevant international initiatives. These are, the Global Village Energy Partnership, the European Union Energy Initiative for Poverty Eradication and Sustainable Development, and the World Bank Energy Trust Funds. These initiatives cover a range of suitable energy technologies and policy options that include micro technologies where appropriate.