To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether the Renewables Obligation will be extended to cover coal mine methane. [98509]

The Government consider that extending the Renewables Obligation to include coal mine methane would not be consistent with the objectives of the Obligation; coal mine methane is, by definition not a renewable.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the (a) role of coal mine methane and (b) its importance in the security of UK future energy requirements. [98562]

Although coal mine methane currently contributes some 30MW to the total 74,000MW generating capacity in the UK, the Government recognise and value the environmental benefits the industry provides by tapping the methane emissions and putting them to good use. We are very supportive of this industry and are keen to help it expand so that it can continue to reduce these emissions throughout the UK. We have already demonstrated this support through our securing exemption from the climate change levy for electricity generated from CMM in last year's budget, and this is currently being cleared with the European Commission.The Government's conclusions on the role of CMM in the security of UK future energy supply will be made public when the White Paper is published shortly.