Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what assessment he has made of the potential role of imported concentrated solar power in meeting the energy requirements of the UK.

I am aware of proposals to invest in concentrated solar power (CSP) projects in the desert regions of North Africa and the Middle East. The UK supports in principle such proposals as a means of providing local energy supply and economic development, reducing greenhouse emissions and potentially contributing to the EU’s security of electricity supply. We continue to monitor developments in this area. However, in present circumstances, geographical factors, costs, and the need to further reinforce electricity connections within the EU and linking the EU with third countries mean that the majority of Member States, including the UK, would not currently be in a position to benefit from imports of CSP generated electricity.