Renewable Energy

16.

Mr. Livsey
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what percentage of power generation originates from renewable sources.

Mr. Peter Morrison
In 1989, about 2 per cent. of electricity was generated from renewable sources in Great Britain.

39.

Mr. Wray
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what specific measures Her Majesty's Government are carrying out to encourage research, and operation of, wind, solar and other alternative sources of energy.

Mr. Peter Morrison
The Government are supporting a major research and development programme aimed at developing commercially viable and environmentally acceptable renewable energy technologies to contribute to future energy supply.

49.

Mr. Butler
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what is his latest assessment of the potential of wind-generated electricity in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Peter Morrison
The most recent estimate of the potential of wind-generated electricity in the United Kingdom was published in energy paper No. 55, copies of which are in the Libraries of the House. The extent to which this renewable source of energy might be developed commercially within environmental constraints is not yet known, but energy paper No. 55 has estimated that by the year 2025 wind energy might provide up to 30 TWh per year of electricity which represents about 10 per cent. of current electricity requirements.

Mr. Mans
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what initiatives his Department is taking to develop commercially viable and environmentally acceptable forms of renewable technology.

Mr. Peter Morrison
The Government are supporting a major research and development programme aimed at developing commercially viable and environmentally acceptable renewable energy technologies to contribute to future energy supply.