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consumers in the next most expensive region. We estimate that this could save the averagehousehold in the north of Scotland around £30 per year off their electricity bill.2.253 Support for large scale renewables – The government’s first competitive auction forrenewable electricity in February saw over 2GW of new capacity being supported across the UK– introducing competition has saved over £100 million a year.2.254 Competition for onshore networks – The government will bring forward proposalsfor legislation in the next Parliament for competitive tendering of onshore electricity transmissioninfrastructure. This could significantly reduce the cost of building this infrastructure. Competitionin the offshore regime has worked well, having already saved consumers between £200 millionand £400 million and helping to lower electricity bills.2.255 Support for interconnectors – Following the decision to include interconnectorsin the Capacity Market, National Grid has decided to invest in a new 1 Giga Watt electricityinterconnector to Belgium.2.256 Deep geothermal planning – To help unlock the potential of deep geothermalenergy, the government will consult in the next Parliament on bringing planning notificationarrangements for the sector into line with those for onshore oil and gas planning applications.2.257 Fund for Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) supported forestry schemes – Theindustry led initiative ‘Roots to Prosperity’ has demonstrated the value of collaboration betweenthe forestry industry, Local Authorities and LEPs. To encourage this further, the government willlaunch a nationwide £1 million fund to support schemes that will promote the growth of theforestry industry in their region and which have the support of their local LEP.2.258 Tidal lagoons – Tidal power has significant potential for the UK. The governmenthas decided to enter into the first phase of negotiations on a Contract for Difference (CfD) forSwansea Bay Tidal Lagoon (without prejudice to the planning decision) to determine whetherthe project is affordable and value for money for consumers, and whether it will drive downcosts of future lagoons.2.259 Marine Protected Area (MPA) at Pitcairn – The government intends to proceed withdesignation of a MPA around Pitcairn. This will be dependent upon reaching agreement withNGOs on satellite monitoring and with authorities in relevant ports to prevent landing of illegalcatch, as well as on identifying a practical naval method of enforcing the MPA at a cost that canbe accommodated within existing departmental expenditure limits.2.260 Scottish opencast liabilities – The government will work closely with the ScottishCoal Task Force and industry stakeholders to explore alternative options for addressing theenvironmental liabilities associated with unrestored opencast mines in Scotland.Science and innovation2.261 Internet of Things – The government will invest £40 million to develop Internet ofThings technologies through large scale demonstrator programmes, business incubator spaceand a research centre. The funding will focus on healthcare, social care and smart cities. (18)2.262 Intelligent Mobility – The government will make a £100 million investment intothe Research and Development of Intelligent Mobility, which will focus on enhancing thedevelopment of driverless car technology and the wider systems required to implement andadopt the technology – such as telecommunications. (18)2.263 Regulations that inhibit innovation – The government will engage with business todetermine where regulations inhibit innovation, including disruptive technologies, and develop aprogramme for addressing this in the next Parliament. (18)Budget 201597