Oral Answers to Questions

Sarah Newton Excerpts

Thursday 16th December 2010 Commons Chamber

[Chris Huhne]

The Government are keen to secure a more rapid development of all bioenergies, and the use of chip fat or any other cooking oil is certainly one option. I am afraid that the specific measure that my hon. Friend wishes me to warm to falls within the responsibility of the Chancellor of the Exchequer rather than that of my Department, but I am sure that the Chancellor is as mindful as I am of our commitment to becoming the greenest Government ever.

[Sarah Newton (Truro and Falmouth) (Con)]

2. What recent representations he has received on Government support for deep geothermal energy production in the UK.

[The Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change (Gregory Barker)]

My Department engages regularly with the deep geothermal sector, and believes that that exciting renewable energy source has considerable unexploited potential. I shall be meeting the key players in the sector in the new year.

[Sarah Newton]

I thank the Minister for his helpful response. Deep geothermal power could generate 10% of the United Kingdom’s energy needs. It is a tried and tested technology which provides energy in countries throughout Europe. The last Government did not support that type of power generation, and rejected calls for the introduction of a licensing structure similar to those of other European countries. What are the Government doing to provide support for this important energy sector?

[Gregory Barker]

My hon. Friend has fought a vigorous campaign on behalf of this exciting new form of energy. I am delighted to say that, at my direction, officials are actively examining the practical and legal aspects of an exploration licensing scheme covering geothermal heat and power projects, which will be vital to unlocking the true potential of this renewable energy source.