To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform how many wind turbines there are in the UK. (225107)

I have been asked to reply.

In terms of wind turbines under 100kW ('microgeneration'), we assessed in our Element Energy research that there were 1,100 micro-wind turbines installed in the UK at the end of 2007. The research document can be downloaded at:

http://www.berr.gov.uk/energy/sources/sustainable/microgeneration/research/page38208.html

The following table shows the number of wind turbines above 100kW generating in the UK at August 2008:

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what procedures are in place to ensure that generation from fossil fuel power stations is regulated to account for differentials in wind power generation. (225110)

I have been asked to reply.

National Grid is responsible for procuring balancing services in order to balance demand and supply and to ensure the security and quality of electricity supply across the GB Transmission System.

National Grid has a licence obligation to control system frequency within specified limits. National Grid must therefore ensure that sufficient generation and/or demand is held in automatic readiness to manage all credible circumstances that might result in frequency variations.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what information his Department holds on whether (a) the output of fossil fuel power stations may be reduced for periods when wind power is available and (b) there are periods of duplication of production. (225111)

I have been asked to reply.

The information is as follows:

(a) National Grid is responsible for procuring balancing services in order to balance demand and supply and to ensure the security and quality of electricity supply across the GB Transmission System. National Grid may call plants on and off the system in order to maintain this balance.

(b) There can be no duplication of electrical generation as supply cannot be greater than demand.