To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which companies have committed themselves as partners in the new energy technologies institute recently launched by his Department; what financial commitments have been made by each company; and over what periods the financial commitments apply. (92699)

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry published the Prospectus for the Energy Technologies Institute on 14 September. It is envisaged that around 10 core industry partners will be required for this public-private partnership, each committed to making an equal contribution of up to £5 million per year for up to 10 years to match the Government’s commitment. Four of the world’s biggest energy companies have already offered support—BP, E.ON UK, Shell and EDF Energy.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which (a) institutions and (b) businesses based in Wales have been invited to participate in the new Energy Technologies Institute. (92700)

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry published a Prospectus for the Energy Technologies Institute on 14 September. It was prepared in collaboration with the four companies that have already agreed to be involved (BP, E.ON UK, EDF and Shell), and aims to seek broader participation and wider views from organisations and businesses across the UK, and beyond. To date four organisations from Wales have responded: one large company, two SMEs and one NGO.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many applications were received from interested parties to attend his Department's Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) open information event held on 11 October; how many attended the event; and what follow-up events are planned to take forward the development of the ETI. (93696)

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry published a Prospectus for the Energy Technologies Institute on 14 September. It included an invitation to attend an open information event on 11 October. Some 230 individual expressions of interest were received. Over 150 participants attended the event. A note of the questions and answers will be circulated to all interested parties, and will be the first of a series of information bulletins to be distributed to this community of interest. At present no follow-up events are planned.