---

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Answer

Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairswhat assessment she has made of the impact that rising wholesale gas prices will have on the ability of the UK to meet its carbon dioxide reduction targets; and if she will make a statement. [200557] Mr. Morley: The updated energy projections, which feed into decisions on the UK National Allocation Plan, make assumptions about wholesale gas prices for the period to 2010. These in turn will affect projections of carbon emissions over this period. Carbon dioxide emissions in 2003 are provisionally estimated to have been 7 per cent. below 1990 levels, and total greenhouse gas emissions 14 per cent. below 1990 levels. There was an estimated 0.25 per cent. increase in carbon dioxide emissions between 2002 and 2003. Emissions from power stations increased due to increased coal burn because of low coal prices and high gas prices, lower nuclear output, and colder outside temperatures. Projections show that emissions will continue to fall and the UK remains on course to achieve its Kyoto target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 12.5 per cent. below 1990 levels by 2008-12. The latest emissions projections, which include our assumptions about fossil fuel prices, are at: http:// www.dti.gov.uk/energy/sepn/uep2004.pdf A review of the Climate Change Programme was launched on 15 September. The review will evaluate the success of the existing policy measures in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and will examine the scope for further reductions in the future.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

200557; 428 c804W

Session

2004-05

Subjects

Coal Air pollution Climate change Carbon dioxide Energy supply Increases Natural gas Power stations Pollution control Prices

Contains statistics

Yes

Link

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