Opening address

Renewable energy sources have an important role in the Government's energy strategy and as we proceed into the next century and beyond I am confident that their contribution to the UK energy supply will increase significantly. The Department of Energy is therefore committed to ensuring that the renewable energy technologies realize their full economic potential as soon as possible.

To this end the Department is supporting a major research and development programme and in 1986 expenditure on the programme passed the £100 million mark - an investment which is already paying dividends. The Department is not alone in recognizing the important role of renewable energy sources for this country's future energy supply. An increasing contribution to the programme is coming from the private sector and many here are involved in collaborative projects with the Department. This collaboration is very much welcomed.