To ask Her Majesty's Government what support they intend to give to the private sector promoters of the European supergrid for sustainable supplies of electricity without generating carbon emissions. [HL2567]

Ministers from the UK, Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Denmark, Sweden, the Republic of Ireland and Norway have together launched the North Seas Offshore Grids Initiative, which commits the 10 countries to working together to develop offshore infrastructure in the North, Irish and Baltic Seas. In recognition of the fact that the complexity of the initiative calls for political support from governments, we intend to sign a Memorandum of Understanding later in the year, which will set out a strategic work plan.

Her Majesty's Government are also supporting the initiatives to develop concentrated solar power and wind energy in North Africa and the Middle East, for example the Mediterranean Solar Plan, being taken forward by France and the current Spanish presidency of the European Union. These involve strengthening the European grid and increasing links with the producer countries so that the renewable energy can be transported to Europe. In February, I spoke at a seminar organised by DESERTEC, an international network of scientists and engineers who promote investment in concentrated solar power in North Africa.

More generally, we are working with governments and regulators in other member states to put in place the regulatory framework to facilitate the cross-border grid investments which will be needed to transport low-carbon energy supplies across the European Union.