Renewable Energy

Dr. McCrea
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what targets have been set to increase the amount of energy from renewable sources used by Northern Ireland Departments.

Mr. Hanson
Northern Ireland Departments are expected to purchase at least 10 per cent. of their electricity supplies from renewable (non-fossil fuel) sources by 31 March 2008, in accordance with Government targets set under the Climate Change Programme (Cm 4913) and the Government’s Plan for Action (Cm 6169).

Under the recently launched Sustainable Development Strategy, the Government estate is to be carbon neutral by 2015, and increased use of renewable energy sources will contribute to achieving that target.

Mark Durkan
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland which Northern Ireland departments use renewable energy for some of their energy requirements.

Mr. Hanson
All Northern Ireland Departments and the Northern Ireland Office use renewable energy for some of their energy requirements.