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Renewable Energy: Technology

Answer

The 2010 spending review allocated over £200 million to support low carbon technologies, of which up to £60 million was included to support the establishment of offshore wind manufacturing at port sites. In June 2011, the Department announced up to £20 million—subject to value for money assessments—to support the pre-commercial demonstration of marine array devices, and in July 2011 announced the allocation of up to £30 million for offshore wind technology development.This funding for renewable technologies is part of a wider package of support which the Department is working on with other members of the Low Carbon Innovation Group¹.The aim is to ensure that there is strategic alignment of public funding for the sector to maximise the benefits each funding stream generates.The Renewables Obligation (RO) is another way that we support emerging technologies such as offshore wind and marine energy. Proposals in the recent consultation reviewing support levels reiterated our commitment to these technologies.Non-financial support has also been put in place. For example, I chair the Marine Energy Programme Board which brings together technology developers, industrial manufacturers and the public sector to discuss accelerating the deployment of marine energy in the UK.I also recently launched the UK's first Marine Energy Park in South West England which aims to create a collaborative partnership between national and local government, local enterprise partnerships, the regional universities and industry, including Cornwall's Wave Hub, thereby driving forward marine energy projects. Other areas are now working towards becoming a Marine Energy Park, for example Caithness and Orkney and Northern Ireland."¹ Includes Department for Business Innovation and Skills, Energy Technologies Institute, Technology Strategy Board, Carbon Trust, Research Councils UK."

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

97299; 541 c408-9W

Session

2010-12

Subjects

Renewable energy Technology

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk