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Written question asked by Jonathan Davies (Labour) on Friday, 16 May 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 20 May 2025. It was answered by Emma Hardy (Labour) on Thursday, 22 May 2025 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.


Hydroelectric Power: Licensing

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has made a comparative assessment of the value-for-money of levels of abstraction license fees for hydropower schemes in (a) England, (b) Scotland and (c) other countries.

Answer

Determining abstraction licences for hydropower projects is a complex activity due to the risks to the environment and water users.

Hydropower application charges are based on a scheme’s output power and its risk rating. Annual subsistence charges cover costs to protect the environment and the rights of licence holders. There is no annual fee for hydropower licences for electricity production of up to 5 megawatts.

The Environment Agency (EA) does not receive any government funding to subsidise application or annual charges. The EA charging scheme sets out the charges for hydropower schemes.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
52958
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Cost effectiveness Fees and charges Licensing Hydroelectric power
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk