I have regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues on a range of matters including the location of the Energy Technologies Institute. I understand that there are plans to establish the institute at various locations in the UK rather that at any one particular location. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Board is currently giving the matter careful consideration and will reach a decision on locations in due course.
The institute’s remit is to accelerate the development of secure, reliable and cost-effective low-carbon energy technologies towards commercial deployment. The institute will play a major role in technology developments internationally in support of the UK’s climate change goals.
On 14 September 2006, the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry published a prospectus setting out the aims of the institute to attract additional private sector investors. An open information event was held on 11 October 2006, to attract wide participation not only by possible private sector investors, but also by those interested in collaborating in the work of the institute or hosting it.
The DTI has announced that it is prepared to provide .£500 million, creating the potential for a £1 billion institute over 10 years. The Energy Research Partnership, under the joint chairmanship of Paul Golby, chief executive of E.ON UK, and Sir David King, has committed itself to raising substantial sums of private investment. EDF Energy, Shell, BP and E.ON UK have already announced their intention to be involved.