Written question asked by Iain Wright (Labour) on Thursday, 24 May 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 4 June 2007. It was answered by Malcolm Wicks (Labour) on Monday, 11 June 2007 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Wind Power: Coastal Areas

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the suitability of the North sea off the north east coast for the siting of offshore windfarms.

Answer: The Department has begun to explore options with the Crown Estate, for the siting of further large-scale offshore renewables development. Any consideration of further programmes of commercial-scale offshore wind farms will be based on a strategic environmental assessment (SEA). It may also be necessary to undertake Appropriate Assessments, depending on the locations identified for a further programme. These assessment processes would include consultation with the renewables sector and other parties with interests in or responsibilities for the marine environment.In the absence of any regional assessments of the suitability of siting offshore wind farms off the north east coast, DTI officials and their partners in DEFRA have been considering the suitability of two demonstration wind farm projects—Blyth (installed) and Teesside (consent application under consideration)—in that area on a case by case basis and taking account of relevant issues.

Secondary information