Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Wayne David and Charles Hendry

Thursday 16th September 2010 Commons Chamber

[Charles Hendry]

I can absolutely assure my hon. Friend that the way the ROC system works ensures that the greatest incentive is there to develop wind projects where the wind resource is strongest. We are absolutely committed, too, to the principle of localism for those below 50 MW and for local communities to be directly involved in these decisions and to receive a more direct benefit than was the case under the previous Government.

[Mr Wayne David (Caerphilly) (Lab)]

How much onshore wind generation does the Minister calculate is needed for the United Kingdom to meet its 2020 renewable energy target?

[Charles Hendry]

We recognise that onshore wind is one critical element of the process. We set out in the 2050 pathways, which were mentioned earlier, a number of different options. Offshore wind is going to be critical, as is biomass. We want a range of renewable technologies to come forward to help us meet the 2020 targets, and the policies that we are putting in place are designed to drive forward investment in those sectors.