Malcolm Wicks, the Energy Minister, has today confirmed the Government's support for electricity generated from geopressure.

The Government has decided to support geopressure's development through the Renewables Obligation scheme, which provides companies using green energy sources with assistance in competing with fossil fuel generators.

"Geopressure has the potential to be a low-carbon energy source which will help the UK in meeting its ambitious targets to cut carbon emissions," Malcolm Wicks said.

"It is an efficient additional use of the gas and we will continue to need as part of our energy mix.

"This is great news for the environment and for industry. We have listened to the views of industry bodies, green groups, MPs and others about whether geopressure should receive support through the Renewables Obligation and after careful consideration we have decided it should."

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Geopressure is pressure naturally occurring through geological activity, and can be harnessed to generate electricity by using the pressure in the gas network. Still in its infancy in the UK, the technology - which does not consume any gas, but works like a water wheel driven by the pressure of its flow - has potential for deployment across the UK.

On 10 January, the Government announced its response to the consultation on reform of the Renewables Obligation. One of the issues for consideration was whether to retain geopressure’s entitlement to support through the Renewables Obligation. Following discussion with MPs, industry bodies, green groups and others, Ministers have decided that this entitlement should continue.

The announcement was part of a larger package of reform to the Renewables Obligation to bring on additional deployment of renewable generation using a wider range of technologies, while protecting the position of existing renewable energy projects and increasing cost effectiveness.

(JM)