§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps she has taken to implement the recommendations of the G8 Renewable Energy Task Force to work with the other G8 members in expanding domestic renewable energy markets. [162045]
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§ Mr. TimmsThe UK is committed towards taking forward the key recommendations of the G8 Renewable Energy Task Force report (G8 RETF)—which is why at the World Summit on Sustainable Development, 2002 we launched an initiative for a global renewable energy and energy efficiency partnership (REEEP). Since then a small secretariat based in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has been working with international Governments, business and other organisations including representatives of civil society to develop the REEEP as a means for enabling the delivery of the G8 REFT recommendations. The REEEP aims to trigger a step change in renewable energy markets and bring together stakeholders globally to provide the concerted action needed. For our part, the Government have the target of renewables providing 10 per cent. of our electricity and has put in place the Renewable Obligation as the main means of increasing and development of renewable energy domestically to meet this target. Through the REEEP, the UK is working with others, including various G8 members, to share and build upon good policy, regulatory and financing practise necessary to accelerate the market development of renewable energy.
§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what grants her Department funds for the installation of(a) solar panels and (b) other forms of renewable energy for (i) private landlords who rent out their properties and (ii) private households. [162053]
§ Mr. TimmsUnder the Major Photovoltaics Demonstration Programme, private landlords and private households can receive up to 50 per cent. of the cost of installation, subject to price cap. Please see website at www.solarpvgrants.co.uk
Under the Clear Skies initiative private householders can apply for grants for the following technologies; solar water heating, small wind, micro hydro, ground source heat pumps and biomass heating. The level of grant is different for each technology and is also subject to a price cap.
Landlords are not eligible to apply when the property where the installation takes place is let. However public landlords can apply under the community stream of Clear Skies and can receive up to 50 per cent. of the costs.
Further details can be found on the website at www.clear-skies.org