Energy: Large Combustion Plant Directive

Lord Willoughby de Broke Excerpts

Tuesday 20th July 2010 Lords Chamber

Asked By

[Lord Willoughby de Broke]

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what are their intentions as regards the large combustion plant directive and the generating plants concerned.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Henley)]

My Lords, the Government’s intention is that all combustion plants in the UK which are subject to that directive should comply with its requirements.

--- Later in debate ---

[Lord Willoughby de Broke]

My Lords, I am grateful for that frank Answer. However, can the Minister confirm that, under the provisions of that directive, 25 per cent of the UK’s generating capacity is due to close down by 2015? Would it not be preferable for the United Kingdom’s energy policy to be made by the Government and the Parliament in this country rather than contract it out to the European Commission?

[Lord Henley]

My Lords, I cannot confirm the noble Lord’s figure; I would not accept that it will be as high as 25 per cent by 2015. I accept that a number of plants are so dirty in their emissions that they will have to close in due course, but I can confirm that other generating capacity is coming on stream in time to replace those that will close.