Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what plans his Department has to support the future of the UK's hydropower industry as part of the UK's renewable energy mix.

The Government acknowledges the valuable contribution of hydropower to the UK energy mix over many decades, including at times when other renewables do not generate. Most hydro capacity was installed in Scotland last century, with a smaller amount in Wales and England, and most of these installations are still operating. Potential for further development is limited to small-scale projects. We met our projections five years early from the 2012 comprehensive review for hydro deployment by 2020.