Onshore wind power: closure of renewables obligation on 31 March 2016

Energy Bill [Lords] – in a Public Bill Committee at 12:00 am on 4 February 2016.

Alert me about debates like this

‘(1) In Part 1 of the Electricity Act 1989 (electricity supply), after section 32LB insert—

(1) No renewables obligation certificates are to be issued under a renewables obligation order in respect of electricity generated after 31 March 2016 by an onshore wind generating station.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to electricity generated in the circumstances set out in any one or more of sections 32LD to 32LL.

(3) In this section and sections 32LD to 32LL “onshore wind generating station” means a generating station that—

(a) generates electricity from wind, and

(b) is situated in England, Wales or Scotland, but not in waters in or adjacent to England, Wales or Scotland up to the seaward limits of the territorial sea.

(4) The reference in subsection (1) to a renewables obligation order is to any renewables obligation order made under section 32 (whenever made, and whether or not made by the Secretary of State).

(5) Power to make provision in a renewables obligation order or a renewables obligation closure order (and any provision contained in such an order) is subject to subsection (1) and sections 32LD to 32LL.

(6) This section is not otherwise to be taken as affecting power to make provision in a renewables obligation order or renewables obligation closure order.”

(2) The Renewables Obligation Closure Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/2388) is amended as follows.

(3) In article 2(1) (interpretation), after the definition of “network operator” insert—

““onshore wind generating station” means a generating station that—

(a) generates electricity from wind, and

(b) is situated in England, Wales or Scotland, but not in waters in or adjacent to England, Wales or Scotland up to the seaward limits of the territorial sea;”.

(4) In article 3 (closure of renewables obligation on 31st March 2017)—

(a) in the heading, after “solar pv stations” insert “or onshore wind generating stations”;

(b) in paragraph (1), after “solar pv station” insert “or an onshore wind generating station”.”’—

This New Clause prevents renewables obligation certificates from being issued in respect of electricity generated after 31 March 2016 by a generating station that generates electricity from wind and is located onshore in England, Wales or Scotland. There are exceptions to this in certain cases: see New Clause NC2.

Brought up, and read the First time.

Question put, That the clause be read a Second time.

The Committee divided:

Ayes 11, Noes 6.

Division number 7 Christmas Tree Industry — Onshore wind power: closure of renewables obligation on 31 March 2016

Aye: 11 MPs

No: 6 MPs

Aye: A-Z by last name

No: A-Z by last name

Question accordingly agreed to.

New clause 1 read a Second time, and added to the Bill.

New Clause 2