To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what renewable energy developments are now being investigated where hitherto Britain has not led the way, with reference to the Prime Minister’s answers to questions following his speech on climate and energy policy on 19 November 2007. (167911)

In order to meet the challenging target of 20 per cent. of the EU’s energy to come from renewable sources by 2020, we are taking steps to increase the amount of electricity, heat and transport fuel generated from renewable resources. I understand the question relates to my right hon. Friend’s comments on biomass, marine and tidal range power and wind, each of which has a part to play in meeting this target.

We already plan to increase the capacity of offshore wind farms from the 400 MW currently installed to more than 8 GW, and we will shortly be announcing proposals to allow a further significant expansion. We are considering the barriers to further deployment, including the potential difficulties that wind farms pose to air traffic and defence radar and ensuring an appropriate balance between enabling offshore wind farms and protecting shipping. We will ensure that the new Marine Bill responds sensitively to the environmental issues that are posed by offshore wind farm development.

We are also exploring the potential for major new investment in energy from wave and tidal sources, and we have already announced a study of the feasibility of generating tidal energy from the River Severn. This alone could provide 5 per cent. of Britain’s electricity needs. We have also announced that we will include tidal lagoons and barrages below 1 GW capacity within the scope of the renewable obligation, potentially benefiting projects such as those being proposed for Rhyl and Swansea Bay.

Meeting our target will also require greater use of renewables to heat our homes and our buildings, so we will introduce new measures to bring forward renewable heat with a call for evidence in January prior to a full consultation. And as we expand renewable heat we will need to ensure that wherever feasible and economic we generate electricity and heat together. So instead of all our energy being generated remotely, more can be supplied locally, making more efficient use of our energy resources. In transport we will do more to stimulate sustainable forms and sources of bio fuels.

We are also legislating to reform the renewables obligation and bring forward newer technologies, and we will introduce in our Planning Bill new measures to speed up the planning system for major infrastructure projects while ensuring that public are properly consulted.