PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
RENEWABLE ENERGY (8 December 1998)

That this House welcomes the Government's 10 per cent. target for energy from renewable sources as part of its policy to ensure a balanced supply of electricity and to meet its climate change targets; welcomes its commitment to promoting renewables through the extension of the Non-Fossil Fuel Obligation to a fifth round, the consultation document on incorporating the development of offshore wind energy into the NFFO process and reversal of the previous Government's decision to cut research and development into renewables as a significant contribution to assisting this clean and sustainable form of energy; welcomes the EU White Paper on renewables which predicts that between 500,000 and 900,000 jobs will be created in the sector by 2010 if progressive policies are adopted; and urges the Government to ensure the de-regulation of electricity markets does not penalise renewable energy and that consideration is given in the Renewables Review of additional fiscal incentives to further stimulate investment in the supply of renewable energy and the manufacture of renewable energy technologies therefore helping to create a strong domestic market that will allow Britain to take advantage of the hi-tech job creation opportunities provided by the fast-growing international market for renewable energy technologies.

Sponsored by:
Gareth Thomas (Labour)