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My Lords, as the Minister will expect, I found that Answer wholly unsatisfactory. We are in the early stages of a major crisis. At present, a lot of our supply comes from nuclear and coal stations, which provide about 40% of our national demand, with the rest coming from gas. Much of this plant is 40 years old and quite a lot of it is 50 years old—well beyond the date by which one would have expected it to have been retired. The task of replacing it is enormous and will take a long time. We ought not to feel complacent at all, because estimating the date of the necessary retirement of this plant is not easy. Can she assure me that the dates and programmes for the retirement of 40 or 50 year-old plant are clearly specified, together with plans for replacing it?
My Lords, as the Minister will expect, I found that Answer wholly unsatisfactory. We are in the early stages of a major crisis. At present, a lot of our supply comes from nuclear and coal stations, which provide about 40% of our national demand, with the rest coming from gas. Much of this plant is 40 years old and quite a lot of it is 50 years old—well beyond the date by which one would have expected it to have been retired. The task of replacing it is enormous and will take a long time. We ought not to feel complacent at all, because estimating the date of the necessary retirement of this plant is not easy. Can she assure me that the dates and programmes for the retirement of 40 or 50 year-old plant are clearly specified, together with plans for replacing it?
Asked by
Lord Tombs
(Crossbench)
Oral questions - 1st Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
7 November 2012
My Lords, I should like first to reassure the noble Lord that this Government are not being complacent. That is why we are taking action to ensure that the UK economy continues to enjoy high levels of security of electricity supply. Our comprehensive proposals for electricity market reform will drive investment, ensuring that we have a diverse mix of energy sources. This includes legislating for the capacity market, which I am sure the noble Lord will be pleased to hear. We have sufficient reliable capacity in the system for the long term, but we need to build a stronger framework, which we are doing. We are investing in renewables and maximising the recovery of oil and gas from the UK continental shelf. There is a lot to do—I agree with the noble Lord—and we are doing it.
Subjects
Electricity generation
Date
7 November 2012
Reference
740 c992
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking in response to the recent projection by Ofgem of a fall in the generating plant margin from 14% at present to 4% in the next four years.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking in response to the recent projection by Ofgem of a fall in the generating plant margin from 14% at present to 4% in the next four years.
Asked by
Lord Tombs
(Crossbench)
Answered by
Baroness Verma
(Conservative)
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
Answered on
7 November 2012
My Lords, Ofgem’s capacity assessment emphasises the importance of action to ensure that we continue to enjoy electricity security in the medium and long term. That is why the Government are taking decisive steps to secure our supplies, including reforming the electricity market to drive the investment that we need and consulting later this year on options to reduce demand for electricity. Recent announcements on investment in a new gas power station at Carrington and from Hitachi on nuclear investment demonstrate that the Government’s approach to securing investment is having real impacts.
Subjects
Electricity generation
Date
7 November 2012
Reference
740 cc992-4
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their estimate of the total subsidy to be provided for wind power for the period 2000–2050.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their estimate of the total subsidy to be provided for wind power for the period 2000–2050.
Asked by
Lord Tombs
(Crossbench)
Answered by
Lord Marland
(Conservative)
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Answered on
16 November 2011
The renewables obligation (RO) is currently the Government's main mechanism for incentivising the deployment of large-scale renewable electricity. Between its introduction in April 2002 and March 2010 approximately £1.8 billion has been awarded to wind power, both onshore and onshore, under this mechanism. This figure uses the nominal value (equal to the buyout price + recycle value) of a renewable obligation certificate (ROC) in each year. The nominal value represents the maximum worth of a ROC to a generator but is not necessarily the amount paid by a supplier, which is dependent on bi-lateral negotiations between supplier and generator.
The feed-in tariffs (FITs) scheme is the mechanism for incentivising the deployment of small-scale low-carbon electricity. The total net subsidy cost of wind power to be incentivised through FITs is estimated at around £1.5 billion, cumulative to 2030 (real 2008 prices, discounted). This estimate is based on the FITs model for the 2010 final impact assessment, updated for energy demand and fossil fuel prices in March 2011. Estimates are for FITs uptake and costs over and above that expected to occur under the RO. The analysis will be updated for the FITs comprehensive review.
Regarding future support, the Government do not set targets for individual technologies. The amount of support provided for wind power—through these mechanisms or the feed-in tariffs with contracts for difference being introduced through the Government's electricity market reform—will be dependent on the contribution wind power makes to the renewable and low carbon electricity mix.
Subjects
Wind power; Subsidies
Date
16 November 2011
Reference
13227; 732 c154-5WA
House
House of Lords
My Lords, I thank the Minister for that reply but it does not actually address my Question, which is the capacity expected to be withdrawn by 2025. The reason for asking this Question is the age-related nature of the problem. The great bulk of our power stations are more than 40 years old now and will fail over the next few years due to age. Would the Minister agree that it seems inevitable that for the next 10 years or so we will build nothing but gas-fired power stations so increasing our reliance on imported gas, from sometimes dubious sources?
My Lords, I thank the Minister for that reply but it does not actually address my Question, which is the capacity expected to be withdrawn by 2025. The reason for asking this Question is the age-related nature of the problem. The great bulk of our power stations are more than 40 years old now and will fail over the next few years due to age. Would the Minister agree that it seems inevitable that for the next 10 years or so we will build nothing but gas-fired power stations so increasing our reliance on imported gas, from sometimes dubious sources?
Asked by
Lord Tombs
(Crossbench)
Oral questions - 1st Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
2 April 2009
My Lords, I thought I had answered the Question because I said that by 2025 we expected about 20 to 23 gigawatts of generation capacity to close. The noble Lord is absolutely right to point out the challenge to ensure that there is adequate replacement. Gas capacity, at 7 gigawatts, forms the majority of what is under construction. With the EDF takeover of British Energy, there are now strong proposals for new nuclear to be built, not just from EDF; other companies, too, are showing considerable interest. We also have the challenging drive for renewables, so we expect to see much more renewable energy being put in place over the next few years as well.
Subjects
Decommissioning; Construction; Gas fired power stations; Power stations; Coal fired power stations; Nuclear power stations; Oil fired power stations
Date
2 April 2009
Reference
709 c1176
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what capacity of coal, oil and nuclear power stations is expected to be withdrawn from service by 2025; and what plans have been made for their replacement.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what capacity of coal, oil and nuclear power stations is expected to be withdrawn from service by 2025; and what plans have been made for their replacement.
Asked by
Lord Tombs
(Crossbench)
Answered by
Lord Hunt of Kings Heath
(Labour)
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
For answer on
2 April 2009
Answered on
2 April 2009
My Lords, some 12 gigawatts of coal and oil capacity and 10 gigawatts of nuclear capacity are expected to be withdrawn by 2025. Industry is responding well, with nearly 10 gigawatts under construction and 10 gigawatts with consent to begin construction. Government policy, including recent legislation, aims to ensure the right framework is in place for industry to invest and we continue to review this.
Subjects
Decommissioning; Construction; Coal fired power stations; Nuclear power stations; Oil fired power stations
Date
2 April 2009
Reference
709 c1175-6
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
My Lords, I thank the Minister for that helpful reply. The Question has been phrased in identical terms to one I asked two years ago and the Answer has been similarly phrased—with identical figures, which I find surprising and slightly disappointing. Can he confirm, first, that the figures, in particular for the period to 2020, take account of the rapidly escalating costs for offshore wind? Secondly, do the figures include the costs of transmission from the offshore wind conglomerates to the national grid?
My Lords, I thank the Minister for that helpful reply. The Question has been phrased in identical terms to one I asked two years ago and the Answer has been similarly phrased—with identical figures, which I find surprising and slightly disappointing. Can he confirm, first, that the figures, in particular for the period to 2020, take account of the rapidly escalating costs for offshore wind? Secondly, do the figures include the costs of transmission from the offshore wind conglomerates to the national grid?
Asked by
Lord Tombs
(Crossbench)
Oral questions - 1st Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
15 May 2006
My Lords, very simply, I hinted at the answer to that question in my Answer. These are maximum figures. Obviously, given the way in which the renewable obligation system works, one can make a calculation of the cost only by taking the pay-out rate and multiplying that by the amount of renewable energy that suppliers have to produce. The figure is reduced by the amount for which people produce renewable obligation certificates, where they are making a decision that they can do it cheaper. The figures remain the same because the system remains the same. The figures that we have given on the additional costs take account of transmission costs and of variability.
Subjects
Costs; Electricity generation; Renewable energy; Wind power
Date
15 May 2006
Reference
682 c9-10
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
What is their current estimate of the total cumulative cost to electricity consumers of Her Majesty’s Government’s renewable energy strategy, assuming that the target for 2010 and the aspiration for 2020 are both met.
What is their current estimate of the total cumulative cost to electricity consumers of Her Majesty’s Government’s renewable energy strategy, assuming that the target for 2010 and the aspiration for 2020 are both met.
Asked by
Lord Tombs
(Crossbench)
Answered by
Lord Sainsbury of Turville
(Labour)
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
For answer on
15 May 2006
Answered on
15 May 2006
My Lords, for 1990–2010, the maximum annual cost—I emphasise ““maximum””—of the Government’s renewable energy strategy, assuming that targets are met, is very approximately estimated at £500 million. For 1990–2015 the equivalent estimate is £800 million per annum, and for 1990–2020 it is £1 billion per annum. These figures compare with a current total annual cost of supplying electricity to all consumers in the UK of more than £15 billion.
Subjects
Costs; Electricity generation; Renewable energy
Date
15 May 2006
Reference
682 c9
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
Supplementary on radioactive waste management and the review of the position of Dr Baverstock as a member of the Committee on Radioactive Waste Management.
Supplementary on radioactive waste management and the review of the position of Dr Baverstock as a member of the Committee on Radioactive Waste Management.
Asked by
Lord Tombs
(Crossbench)
Oral questions - 1st Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
28 February 2005
Date
28 February 2005
Reference
670 c11
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
1st supplementary on the cost of wind power.
1st supplementary on the cost of wind power.
Asked by
Lord Tombs
(Crossbench)
Oral questions - 1st Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
26 January 2005
Subjects
Costs; Construction; Electricity generation; Wind power; Subsidies
Date
26 January 2005
Reference
668 c1257-8
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
What capacities of onshore and offshore wind power had been installed by the end of 2004; what capacities are expected to be installed in 2005; and whether their target is likely to be met. - Inc figures.
What capacities of onshore and offshore wind power had been installed by the end of 2004; what capacities are expected to be installed in 2005; and whether their target is likely to be met. - Inc figures.
Asked by
Lord Tombs
(Crossbench)
Answered by
Lord Sainsbury of Turville
(Labour)
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
For answer on
26 January 2005
Answered on
26 January 2005
Subjects
Costs; Construction; Electricity generation; Wind power; Subsidies
Date
26 January 2005
Reference
668 c1257-8
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
Supplementary on government assistance to British Energy and the introduction of NETA.
Supplementary on government assistance to British Energy and the introduction of NETA.
Asked by
Lord Tombs
(Crossbench)
Oral questions - 1st Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
2 November 2004
Date
2 November 2004
Reference
666 c138
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
1st supplementary on ensuring remedial action in the event of financial or academic shortfalls.
1st supplementary on ensuring remedial action in the event of financial or academic shortfalls.
Asked by
Lord Tombs
(Crossbench)
Oral questions - 1st Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
9 June 2004
Subjects
Contracts; Construction; Design; Finance; Management; Standards; Schools; Sponsorship; Academies
Date
9 June 2004
Reference
662 c258
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
What control is exercised by the sponsors of city academies over the design, construction and mangement of a new school.
What control is exercised by the sponsors of city academies over the design, construction and mangement of a new school.
Asked by
Lord Tombs
(Crossbench)
Answered by
Baroness Ashton of Upholland
(Labour)
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
For answer on
9 June 2004
Answered on
9 June 2004
Subjects
Contracts; Construction; Design; Finance; Management; Standards; Schools; Sponsorship; Academies
Date
9 June 2004
Reference
662 c258
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
1st supplementary on the cost effectiveness of constituency nuclear power stations.
1st supplementary on the cost effectiveness of constituency nuclear power stations.
Asked by
Lord Tombs
(Crossbench)
Oral questions - 1st Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
5 May 2004
Subjects
Consumers; Cost effectiveness; Costs; Construction; Electricity generation; Nuclear power stations; Renewable energy
Date
5 May 2004
Reference
660 c1099-100
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
What is their estimate of the likely total cumulative cost to electricity customers, by the end of 2010, 2015 and 2020 respectively, of the Government's renewable energy strategy, assuming that the target for 2010 and the aspiration for 2020 are both met. - Inc figures.
What is their estimate of the likely total cumulative cost to electricity customers, by the end of 2010, 2015 and 2020 respectively, of the Government's renewable energy strategy, assuming that the target for 2010 and the aspiration for 2020 are both met. - Inc figures.
Asked by
Lord Tombs
(Crossbench)
Answered by
Lord Sainsbury of Turville
(Labour)
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
For answer on
5 May 2004
Answered on
5 May 2004
Subjects
Consumers; Cost effectiveness; Costs; Construction; Electricity generation; Nuclear power stations; Renewable energy
Date
5 May 2004
Reference
660 c1099-100
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
1st supplementary on security of energy supplies.
1st supplementary on security of energy supplies.
Asked by
Lord Tombs
(Crossbench)
Oral questions - 1st Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
28 January 2004
Subjects
Construction; Electricity generation; Energy supply; Natural gas; Power stations
Date
28 January 2004
Reference
657 c196-7
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
How much new generation capacity (excluding wind power) they expect to be commissioned in England and Wales during each of the years 2004, 2005 and 2006. - Includes figures.
How much new generation capacity (excluding wind power) they expect to be commissioned in England and Wales during each of the years 2004, 2005 and 2006. - Includes figures.
Asked by
Lord Tombs
(Crossbench)
Answered by
Lord Davies of Oldham
(Labour)
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
For answer on
28 January 2004
Answered on
28 January 2004
Subjects
Construction; Electricity generation; Energy supply; Natural gas; Power stations
Date
28 January 2004
Reference
657 c196-7
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
Supplementary on the number of schools placed in special measures and inspection standards.
Supplementary on the number of schools placed in special measures and inspection standards.
Asked by
Lord Tombs
(Crossbench)
Oral questions - 1st Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
27 January 2004
Date
27 January 2004
Reference
657 c95
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
Supplementary on electricity supplies and whether sufficient capacity exists.
Supplementary on electricity supplies and whether sufficient capacity exists.
Asked by
Lord Tombs
(Crossbench)
Oral questions - 1st Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
8 October 2003
Date
8 October 2003
Reference
653 c289
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
1st supplementary on reasons for the delay in publication.
1st supplementary on reasons for the delay in publication.
Asked by
Lord Tombs
(Crossbench)
Oral questions - 1st Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
28 March 2001
Subjects
Radioactive waste; Waste management; Waste disposal; Science and Technology Committee (HL)
Date
28 March 2001
Reference
624 c259-60
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords