HC Deb 09 March 2004 vol 418 cc1427-8W
Llew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the outcome of the renewables innovation review. [159034]

Mr. Timms

The Renewables Innovation Review, which was conducted jointly by the DTI and the Carbon Trust, considers the way ahead for the renewables industry if the UK's renewable energy targets, carbon reduction aspirations and desired economic benefits are to be met.

The key conclusions of the Review, and the series of reports commissioned as part of the Review, are available on the DTI website at: http://www.dti.gov.uk/energy/renewables/policy/renewables_innovation_review.sht 1

Simon Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps she is undertaking to reinforce the National Grid in(a) the UK and (b) London to meet the Government's target of 10 per cent. renewable generation by 2010. [159171]

Mr. Timms

The Transmission Issues Working Group works with the Transmission Owners, the Scottish Executive, the Welsh Assembly Government, and Ofgem to progress this important issue. An initial plan was published last year and the Transmission Companies are currently revising their technical and financial plans.(a) The first upgrade required in the UK is the Beauly to Denny line that Scottish and Southern intends to submit into the consents process this autumn. (b) It is unlikely that significant transmission grid upgrades will be required in London as most renewables will be connected to the distribution network but a full report which will include this issue is due to be presented to the Transmission Issues Working Group by the end of July.

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