Energy Transition Projects: Scotland Ian Blackford (Ross, Skye and
Lochaber) (SNP) 1. What steps he is taking to support energy
transition projects in Scotland.(905766) Dr Philippa Whitford
(Central Ayrshire) (SNP) 14. What steps he is taking to support
energy transition projects in Scotland.(905780) The Secretary of
State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Grant Shapps) We are
supporting Scotland through the North sea transition deal,
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Energy Transition Projects: Scotland
(Ross, Skye and Lochaber)
(SNP)
1. What steps he is taking to support energy transition projects
in Scotland.(905766)
(Central Ayrshire)
(SNP)
14. What steps he is taking to support energy transition projects
in Scotland.(905780)
The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero ()
We are supporting Scotland through the North sea transition deal,
contracts for difference for renewable energy, and more than £80
million of net zero innovation portfolio funding.
I thank the Secretary of State for that response, particularly in
relation to CfDs. Will he commit today to a clear pathway for the
true commercial-scale development of tidal stream energy? A
ringfence in the CfD auction is welcome, but it is only
scratching the surface of what the industry can deliver.
Investors in projects are stalling, as they need long-term
visibility. The industry—and, indeed, all of us—needs this
technology to succeed. Let us unlock this predictable, renewable
power and create an industry and sector that we can be proud of
and that can be made on these islands. We need a commitment today
that the ringfenced budget will increase, to allow costs to fall
and true-scale projects to be delivered. If we want energy
security, here is the pathway.
Mr Speaker
We are meant to be asking questions, not making statements.
Fortunately, the answer is pretty straightforward. As the right
hon. Gentleman mentioned, we are doing tidal power in this CfD
round. That is to be welcomed and we look forward to this
industry expanding in the future, as some of the technicalities
and technical difficulties are resolved. I know that the
Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, my
hon. Friend the Member for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine
() has visited recently to see
this in action.
Dr Whitford
Energy storage is vital to managing demand as we switch to
renewable electricity. Pumped storage hydro is the most efficient
large-scale storage method. UK capacity could be more than
doubled by six projects across Scotland that have been shovel
ready for more than five years. They take a long time to build,
so why are the UK Government not supporting investment in
infrastructure that is critical for our future energy
security?
I have discussed this matter with SSE in relation to that
particular hydro storage project, and my hon. Friend the
Under-Secretary of State met MSPs yesterday to discuss the
subject as well. We are keen to have this kind of hydro storage,
which is why our plans allow for it to be taken forward. However,
I have to say to Opposition Members—all of them—that it is no
good just having one kind of storage or one kind of tidal power;
we also need to protect the Scottish economy with oil and gas to
make sure we are not subjected to Putin or any other dictator
holding us to ransom over our energy security.
(Ynys Môn) (Con)
It is good to hear that the Secretary of State is supporting the
economy in Scotland, but my question is: how are the UK
Government investing in grid capacity in Wales? In Wales, such
investment is crucial if we are to support energy transition
projects such as the Holyhead hydrogen hub, Minesto, Morlais, BP
Mona, Lightsource BP and, of course, new nuclear at Wylfa.
Grid capacity in Scotland, Wales, England and Northern Ireland is
at the top of our list. The Winser review has done a lot of work
to look at how we can speed up the delivery of that capacity,
given the big transition that is going on and this country’s big
lead in renewables, which makes that necessary.
Mr Speaker
I call the Scottish National party spokesman.
(Kilmarnock and Loudoun)
(SNP)
On pumped storage hydro, it is as though the Secretary of State
just does not get it. It increases energy resilience and would
reduce the £4.2 billion balancing costs that are getting paid out
at the moment. The 1.5 GW Coire Glas scheme can be delivered in
seven years, and it would power 3 million homes for a 24-hour
period. The Government have found £700 million for Sizewell C and
they have implemented cap and floor mechanisms for
interconnectors, so why is he not having proper discussions with
SSE about a cap and floor mechanism?
The Secretary of State does in fact get it, because we support
the idea of having things such as hydro power. Again, I have to
say that there is a choice where taxpayers’ money is spent. It
has to be done competitively in the round. To be talking merely
about storage and not the generation, including nuclear power,
which is a key part of this country’s energy security future,
simply means that the overall view that the SNP has is unbalanced
when it comes to how we power our nations.
The Secretary of State has proved he still does not get it—he is
not having proper discussions with SSE. If we move to carbon
capture and storage, the Climate Change Committee’s progress
report identified “risks” and “significant risks” associated with
industrial clusters and carbon dioxide storage, which proves it
is nonsensical to have Acorn as a reserve. When will the
Government announce the track 2 clusters and provide parity for
Acorn? When does he envisage Acorn starting construction? That is
vital to meet the 2030 targets.
As the hon. Gentleman knows, we have already pumped £40 million
into Acorn. It is on the reserve list. He asks when; the answer
is this year for track 2 and track 1 expansion. So I say it
again: the Secretary of State does get it.
Energy Intensive Industries: Decarbonisation
(Sefton Central) (Lab)
2. What steps his Department is taking to help energy intensive
industries decarbonise.(905767)
The Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero ()
The Government are investing billions to support the development
and deployment of carbon capture, utilisation and storage,
hydrogen and other decarbonisation technologies, and have a range
of policies supporting industrial decarbonisation, such as the
industrial energy transformation fund and local industrial
decarbonisation plans.
There are 23 clean steel projects across Europe, but none in the
UK. Meanwhile, the UK is the only country in the G20 where steel
production is falling. Other countries recognise the importance
of their domestic steel industries, and they recognise the
importance of investing in low-carbon steel. Why do this
Government not support our steel?
As the hon. Gentleman knows well, this Government do support the
UK steel industry. On his broader point, which he mentioned in
his original question, UK industrial emissions have fallen 65%
since 1990, and we are making significant investments in
industrial decarbonisation, not least the £20 billion announced
at the end of March, which will contribute to decarbonisation
through CCUS and help the steel industry.
(Esher and Walton) (Con)
Do Ministers agree that the Government’s competition for small
modular nuclear reactors will help provide the volume of energy
we need for energy-intensive domestic industries and, over the
long term, at a lower cost than previous nuclear power
stations?
I thank my right hon. Friend for his question. There is enormous
enthusiasm on the Government side of the House for the potential
of nuclear, including small modular reactors. We are determined
to see that go forward as quickly as possible, which is why the
new organisation, Great British Nuclear, is doing a rapid down
selection of technologies this year, precisely in order to unlock
the benefits that my right hon. Friend so correctly
highlights.
Mr Speaker
I call the Chair of the Energy Security and Net Zero
Committee.
(Na h-Eileanan an
Iar) (SNP)
On decarbonisation, many organisations, such as the Institution
of Civil Engineers, are asking about the Government’s net zero
growth plan, which said:
“The public will play a key role in the transition and therefore
we will set out further detail on how Government will increase
public engagement on net zero.”
Can the Minister clarify when that detail will be published?
I thank the Chair of the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee.
He is right that as well as top-down Government policy, we must
unlock the huge public desire of people to play their part and
make sure we have the right information in place. That will be
provided and produced as soon as possible.
(Rugby) (Con)
The Minister will welcome measures that many businesses are
already undertaking simply because they are the right thing to
do, including traditionally carbon-intensive industries, such as
cement manufacturing. Cemex in my constituency is investing to
use decarbonised raw material and trialling the use of hydrogen
in the combustion process, which will significantly reduce the
amount of CO2 generated by every tonne of cement manufactured in
Rugby?
My hon. Friend is right, and he is right to champion those
industries that are working so hard to decarbonise already. As my
hon. Friend says, we have the net zero hydrogen fund, which will
provide up to £240 million by 2025 to support the development and
construction of new low-carbon hydrogen production plants, which
will be able to assist in cement as well as other industries.
Lithium-ion Battery Storage Facilities: Regulation
Dame (Basingstoke) (Con)
3. What assessment he has made of the adequacy of regulations for
industrial lithium-ion battery storage facilities.(905768)
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security
and Net Zero ()
It is a priority for this Government that all net zero energy
infrastructure is built, operated and maintained in an
appropriate and safe way. My officials work closely with the
industry-led electricity storage health and safety governance
group to ensure an appropriate, robust and future-proofed health
and safety framework is sustained as storage deployment
increases.
Dame
We need to increase power storage, but the potential fire risks
associated with lithium-ion battery storage facilities are now
becoming widely acknowledged. What is my hon. Friend doing to
ensure those facilities are not built in inappropriate locations,
such as Basing Fenn in my constituency, which is a site
sandwiched between a rare north-flowing, salmonid chalk stream
and a hospital?
I thank my right hon. Friend for her question and her tireless
campaigning on this important issue. As I discussed in that very
positive meeting that I had with her yesterday, I have been
working with colleagues across Government to establish the
appropriate treatment of these facilities in planning and
environmental regulation. Every site should be considered on its
own merits and is a decision for our local authorities.
(Huddersfield)
(Lab/Co-op)
Will this Government stop chuntering on about batteries and
battery storage all the time? Will they get down to JCB and see
its innovative new hydrogen fuel car and heavy goods vehicle? Is
it not about time that we realised that hydrogen is the future
and that this Government should be building a pipeline of
hydrogen throughout the country?
I will not be drawn on chuntering on by the hon. Gentleman, but
let me just say that it was this Government who allowed JCB to
proceed with that technology and to develop it at commercial
scale. I am pleased to tell him that the Secretary of State will
be visiting imminently.
Floating Offshore Wind: Supply Chain
(Aberavon) (Lab)
4. What steps he is taking to help increase the potential
benefits of floating offshore wind for the supply
chain.(905769)
The Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero ()
The Government are committed to placing the UK at the forefront
of the floating wind sector. I am delighted to announce that the
Crown estate will be providing an update to industry this morning
on a 4 GW leasing round in the Celtic sea and has already
commissioned the survey work required to support it.
The development of floating offshore wind in the Celtic sea is a
once-in-a-generation opportunity for my Aberavon constituency,
for Wales and for the entire United Kingdom. Last week, the
Climate Change Committee rightly blasted the Government for
failing to deliver on their net zero commitment. I am profoundly
concerned that floating offshore wind will be squandered due to
the lack of grip and direction that the committee described. When
will the Minister be bringing forward an industrial strategy for
floating offshore wind, which will ensure that Welsh
manufacturing and Welsh jobs are placed at the heart of turbine
and substructure fabrication, starting with the vital seabed
licensing process.
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question. We are the world
leader in floating offshore wind and we are determined to stay
there in order to realise the industrial benefits, which he
rightly champions, and the opportunities in Wales. The floating
wind demonstration programme—[Interruption.] The Labour
Front-Bench team really do not like to hear this, do they? The
fact that we have cut our emissions more than any other major
economy on earth under this Government is what leads those on the
Labour Front Bench to sense their own inadequacy, because they
know what they left behind. That floating wind demonstration
programme is supporting innovation with £31 million of Government
funding matched by £30 million from industry.
(Kettering) (Con)
Floating offshore wind and all these exciting generation
technologies are wonderful, but all of them will come to nought
unless we can increase the speed and capacity of the grid
connections to get the electricity onshore and to the users who
need it. What is the Minister doing to sort out the national grid
and to speed up the way in which grid connections are made,
because, without this, we will go nowhere?
My hon. Friend puts it so well. It is so true: whatever the
generation, if we cannot get the electrons where they need to go,
we are frustrated. That is why we are determined to speed up the
connections. That is why, from the Pick report on offshore wind
to the Nick Winser review, this Government, led by the
Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, my
hon. Friend the Member for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine
()—this is the first time that
this country has had a networks Minister—are absolutely focused,
in a laser-like way, on making sure that we speed up and get the
delivery of the infrastructure that we need to deliver the green
transition.
Onshore Wind Proposals: Community Engagement
(Rother Valley)
(Con)
5. What steps his Department has taken to ensure local community
engagement in onshore wind proposals.(905770)
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security
and Net Zero ()
The Government want communities to participate in and benefit
from onshore wind proposed in their local area. On 11 May, the
Government issued a consultation for onshore wind partnerships in
England, proposing improvements to the current system of
community engagement and benefits.
Some energy firms give discounts to those who live near onshore
wind farms when the wind blows. Unfortunately, though, that is
not the case everywhere. Will the Minister look again at this
policy nationally so that my constituents, such as those who live
in Ulley near Penny Hill wind farm, and even myself—I live in
Harthill near Loscar wind farm—will see the benefits of clean,
green wind power reflected in their energy bills?
The consultation on onshore wind partnerships proposed that the
Government work with RenewableUK to update the industry-wide
community benefits protocol for onshore wind in England. An
updated protocol would seek to encourage more innovative
approaches, for example through developers supporting local
energy bill discounts. The consultation closes on 7 July.
(Cardiff North) (Lab)
I am not sure there is much point in community engagement when
there is no onshore wind. We do not have any onshore wind. Last
week, we heard the Climate Change Committee’s devastating report
on this country’s commitment to net zero. When will this
Government unlock the barriers to onshore wind?
I completely refute the suggestion that we have no onshore wind.
Onshore wind contributes 14 GW of power to the UK’s national grid
as we speak, and of course we support the deployment of onshore
wind with communities.
Mr Speaker
We come now to the shadow Minister.
(Southampton, Test)
(Lab)
The Minister is sort of right that there have been some onshore
wind turbines built just recently—two since February 2022, so
there is not much chance of community engagement there, to be
honest. In December, the Secretary of State for Levelling Up,
Housing and Communities promised that the onshore wind ban would
be completely lifted by the end of April this year. Why have the
Government broken that promise?
I will take no lectures from the Labour party on developing
renewable electricity. When Labour left office in
2010—[Interruption.] They do not like to hear this, but when
Labour left office in 2010, less than 7% of the grid was
accounted for by renewables. Now it is 43%.
Dr Whitehead
I think maybe the Government should take lessons from Labour. It
is now generally understood that the Government consultation is
likely to lead to only minimal relaxation of planning rules and
that onshore wind will effectively remain banned. Tory peer
, chairman of the Climate Change
Committee, said of the consultation on Saturday that it is simply
unacceptable that the Government are still discussing whether
they are in favour of onshore wind or not when it is widely
recognised as one of the cheapest forms of energy generation. He
is right, is he not?
I really wish the Labour party would stop talking down what we
are doing on renewable electricity. I remind the House that the
consultation on onshore wind finishes on 7 July.
Energy and Trade Intensive Industries
(South Derbyshire)
(Con)
6. What assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of
additional support for energy and trade intensive
industries.(905771)
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security
and Net Zero ()
Wholesale energy prices have fallen significantly since the peak
of the energy crisis, so the energy bill discount scheme strikes
a balance between providing support and certainty to business and
limiting the impact on public finances.
Mrs Wheeler
I thank my hon. Friend for a proper Derbyshire answer. Can she
give more information on how the Government are working to help
wedding venues and hospitality in general with extreme costs for
electricity and gas, particularly where businesses have signed
long-term contracts in the face of falling world prices?
I thank my hon. Friend from South Derbyshire—it is a great county
to live in, with great hospitality—for her question. Businesses,
including the hospitality sector, have already benefited from the
energy bill relief scheme, which ended on 31 March and provided
£7.4 billion of support. We are mindful of the fixed-term
contracts, which are a supplier issue, and we are constantly
engaging with stakeholders and suppliers on that.
(Newcastle upon Tyne
North) (Lab)
Last week I attended the opening of the first phase of a new
solar farm at Newcastle airport. It was 50% funded by the
regional development fund, which post Brexit we no longer have
access to. The further three phases are vital to ensure that the
airport meets its net zero target and the Government meet their
solar target, so what are the Government doing to ensure that
those further three phases will be supported in some way by the
Government?
I thank the hon. Lady for that information. With your permission,
Mr Speaker, I will take that question away and find out more
details.
Mr Speaker
I call the shadow Minister.
(Bristol East) (Lab)
The director general of UK Steel said this week:
“There are huge question marks over if government really wants to
sustain steel, the backbone of British manufacturing, or just
leave it to shrink and rely on other nations’ supply.”
He is right to say that. It is four years since the Government
promised the green steel fund, but not a penny has been paid. Why
are the Government failing our steel communities so
comprehensively?
That is absolutely not true; we are legislating for that at the
moment. It is incredibly important to the Government that we
combat that and support the energy and trade-intensive
industries.
The Committee on Climate Change said last week that
“the Government has high ambitions for decarbonisation but no
policy to deliver it”.
We have been slow to react to the US Inflation Reduction Act and
to the EU’s proposed green deal industrial plan. The right hon.
Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May), who, for the benefit of the
Minister, is not from the Labour Benches, said:
“Where the UK once led, we are now falling behind.”
When will Ministers snap out of their appalling complacency and
come up with the strategy and timeline that we need to support
the UK in the global race for green jobs and investment?
We have met all our carbon targets and will continue to do so.
The Government have made the commitment to continue hitting and
progressing on those targets.
Clean Energy Projects: Planning System
(Eltham) (Lab)
7. What discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for
Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on the adequacy of the
planning system for clean energy projects. (905772)
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security
and Net Zero ()
My Department has been working closely with the Department for
Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on delivering the proposals
in the published action plan for reforming and speeding up the
nationally significant infrastructure project planning process.
An important part of those reforms involves updating and
strengthening the national policy statements for energy.
Last weekend, James Robottom, the head of onshore wind at
RenewableUK, said that he does not expect much from the
Government’s consultation on planning. He said that obstacles to
new onshore wind development would
“severely hinder investment in the onshore wind industry and its
supply chain due to the high level of risk and uncertainty they
create. We are being denied the opportunity for thousands of new
jobs and billions in private investment”.
In the meantime, that is costing English families £180 per year.
It means damage to the economy, damage to the environment, and
higher bills for families. Is it not time that we got this
useless Government out of the way so that we can sort it out?
This useless Government who have delivered 43% renewables on to
the grid! I would much rather take our record on renewables than
the Labour party’s any day of the week. The consultation on
national policy statements closed, as the hon. Gentleman knows,
on 23 June, and the Government remain on track to present them to
Parliament and bring them into effect by the end of 2023.
(North Wiltshire) (Con)
Local authorities have a presumption in favour of solar, and
quite right, too, but should they not also consider the
cumulative effect of solar farms? Wiltshire is the second largest
county in England for solar farms. If the new Red Barn project at
Kington St Michael is added, it will be one of the largest solar
farms in Britain. We are covering our good agricultural land with
solar farms in counties such as Wiltshire. When the forthcoming
planning policy guidance is reconsidered, will the Minister
undertake to include a presumption against solar farms on grade
3a and 3b agricultural land?
Food security is incredibly important, and we will, of course,
prioritise less productive land for the deployment of solar
farms. Our reforms aim to ensure that infrastructure developers
consider, at the outset of their programmes, how projects can
address the legitimate concerns of affected communities, engaging
regularly with them throughout the pre-application phase and
beyond. Engaging with statutory consultees early during the
pre-application stage will also benefit local communities and
farmers through high-quality applications.
Energy Security: Gas Imports from Russia
Mr (South West Hertfordshire)
(Con)
8. What recent assessment he has made of the impact of ending gas
imports from Russia on energy security. (905773)
The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero ()
Ending Russian imports in April 2022 has shown that Russian gas
belongs in the past. Our system was well supplied last winter by
North sea gas and reliable imports—a far cry from Labour’s energy
surrender plan, sponsored by Just Stop Oil, which would put us
back at square one and in the hands of despots such as Putin and
his tyrannical regime.
I welcome the Secretary of State’s answer. Could he explain what
steps his Department is taking to ensure that no country will
ever be able to hold the UK to ransom through our energy
supply?
It is about having a balanced energy supply, which means
renewables, nuclear power, and yes, where necessary, oil and gas
licences—to do without them puts the security of every single
person in this country at risk and means that household bills
will go up. Sadly, that is exactly the policy of His Majesty’s
official Opposition.
(Brighton, Pavilion)
(Green)
A recent report by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit shows
that, regardless of Ministers’ plans to expand domestic oil and
gas production, imports of gas will continue to rise
significantly unless we tackle demand. New oil and gas licences
simply will not deliver energy security as the oil and gas is
sold at global prices on international markets. They will cost
the taxpayer dearly while being a disaster for the climate. Will
the Government finally do what is needed by ruling out new
licences and committing instead to measures that will genuinely
make the UK energy secure, including a nationwide
street-by-street home insulation programme, unblocking onshore
wind, and installing new solar on every roof?
We have gone from 14% of our homes being insulated under the
previous Government to nearly 50%—it will be 50% this year—and we
have set up an energy taskforce to reduce the usage of energy and
make it more efficient. However, the policy of the hon. Lady’s
party, and that of the official Opposition, of importing all the
oil and gas that we require and not providing new licences is
simply insane. It means that every single family in Britain will
be subject to the next tyrant like Putin, and that the carbon
used will be double what is taken from the North sea. It is
bonkers policy.
Net Zero Target: Population Increases
(Christchurch) (Con)
9. What assessment he has made of the potential impact of
increases in the population on the ability to meet net zero
targets. (905774)
The Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero ()
Population growth is taken into account when setting our
decarbonisation goals. Specifically, it is accounted for in our
baseline emissions projections, which help determine the effort
required to meet our carbon targets.
Does my right hon. Friend accept that in 2050, on present
Government policies, we will have 25 million more people in this
country than there were in 1990, the base date for carbon dioxide
emissions? He obviously accepts that a higher population leads to
higher global emissions, but can he also say that when it comes
to climate change, it would be a good idea for this Government to
concentrate on a net migration policy, rather than net zero?
As my hon. Friend knows, the Prime Minister is absolutely
determined to bring net migration down to sustainable levels. I
would also point out to him that the UK does not set
decarbonisation targets per capita, because all countries need to
reduce emissions in absolute terms. We are determined to play our
part in doing that—to move to net zero, but in a pro-growth,
pro-business manner.
(East Lothian) (Alba)
It is not simply about empowering future generations, but those
that exist. That is why the roll-out of smart metering is
important. The latest quarterly statistics claim that 57% of UK
households have smart meters, but that masks the fact that only
four out of 32 Scottish local authorities are above 50% in the
roll-out of smart metering, five are below 30%, and three island
councils are below 10%. All those are also the areas with the
highest fuel poverty. As we approach March 2024, when radio
teleswitching will go off, how will we ensure that people have
access to smart metering, enabling them to get off-peak
tariffs?
The hon. Gentleman is right, both to enthuse about the importance
of smart metering and the benefits it can bring—even more so as
we move forward in the coming years—and to highlight the
importance of ensuring, as ever, that something so important is
equitably distributed. I, or colleagues, would be happy to meet
him to discuss how we make sure that the issues he has rightly
raised are addressed.
Rooftop Solar Panels
(Tewkesbury) (Con)
10. What steps he is taking to increase the use of solar panels
on building roofs; and if he will make a statement. (905775)
The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero ()
The Government are supporting the installation of rooftop solar
in numerous different ways: financial incentives, performance
standards and the solar taskforce.
Mr Robertson
For years now, I have been trying to persuade Governments of all
colours to change building regulations to require all new
buildings to be fitted with solar panels. That would have the
benefit of securing supply, reducing household bills considerably
and helping us towards net zero, so why do we not do it?
I assure my hon. Friend that I am a great enthusiast for solar
panels—I have had them on my home for the past 12 years, and they
perform very well. I want to see more people do that. In fact,
over that period, we have gone from virtually no renewables in
our system—6.9%—to 43% in the last quarter. I am very keen for
that expansion to go further and faster. We need to ensure that
it is part of the building code, but we also want to make sure
that other forms of renewables can be installed, so it is a
balance between not being too prescriptive and making sure that
we make speedy progress, particularly on all the commercial
rooftops in this country.
(Cardiff South and Penarth)
(Lab/Co-op)
A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of visiting an innovative
housing project in Rumney in my constituency, which had solar
panels in nearly all the new buildings but also ground source
heat pumps, electric vehicle charging points and battery
technology in the houses, bringing down bills for the residents
while contributing to net zero. Will the Secretary of State join
me in praising Cardiff’s Labour council and the Welsh Labour
Government for the work they have done on this issue, and will he
explain what we are doing to ensure greater manufacture of those
technologies in this country?
Of course, I am delighted that the Barnett formula stretches so
far in providing some of the excellent additions to those
buildings. I just want to repeat that no Government have gone
further and faster in the G7 than this one in introducing
renewables and ensuring that they now power a very significant
part of our grid. We want to go further and faster still, and we
will make sure that things such as building codes help with that
plan.
Net Zero Projects: Skills
(North Down) (Alliance)
11. What assessment he has made with Cabinet colleagues of the
adequacy of workforce skills for delivering net zero
projects.(905776)
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security
and Net Zero ()
We recognise that having the right skills within the workforce is
critical, which is why we established the green jobs delivery
group.
The Climate Change Committee has expressed concern that the UK is
falling behind on a range of net zero commitments, including on
skills. A skilled workforce, alongside new green jobs, is a key
component of the green new deal, but the workforce plan is not
due until 2024. In the light of the urgency of addressing climate
change, will the Government commit to bring that forward to some
time later this year?
We are working as quickly as we can on ensuring this. The new
skills that will be required are really beneficial for the UK
economy, so we are keen to work with the green jobs delivery
group and the Department for Education in looking at
apprenticeships and how we can push this forward as quickly as
possible.
Clean Energy Technology: Private Sector Investment
(West Bromwich East)
(Con)
12. What steps he is taking to encourage private sector
investment in clean energy technologies.(905778)
(Crewe and Nantwich)
(Con)
17. What steps he is taking to encourage private sector
investment in clean energy technologies.(905784)
The Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero ()
Our “Powering up Britain” plan seizes opportunities from the
transition to a decarbonised energy system. Our policies, backed
by billions of pounds of Government funding—but more importantly,
leveraging in about £100 billion of private investment—will
support up to 480,000 jobs in 2030.
Enfinium is building a new energy-from-waste facility in my
constituency, which will process nearly 400,000 tonnes of waste
to generate electricity for more than 95,000 homes and businesses
each year. Will the Minister join me in welcoming this investment
in renewable energy, and outline how the Government are
supporting energy-from-waste facilities across the country?
I thank my hon. Friend, and I am delighted to join her in
welcoming this new investment, which will be a huge asset to her
community as well as having positive national implications.
Energy from waste with combined heat and power is supported
through pot 1 of the contracts for difference scheme—our auction
system. We expect to announce the results of the latest round in
early September, and I hope the House will watch that
announcement with great interest.
Dr Mullan
What assessment has the Minister made of the role of a tariff
support mechanism to encourage short-term private sector
investment in deep geothermal to support levelling up?
There is no greater champion than—or anyone in this House with
half the knowledge of this, as far as I can tell—my hon. Friend
in supporting the potential of deep geothermal. When the Prime
Minister responded to his report, I know he thanked my hon.
Friend for all the work that went into it. I can confirm that
geothermal technologies that generate electricity are eligible
for the contracts for difference scheme. We are also supporting
and encouraging the development of geothermal heating projects
through the green heat network fund, which supports the
development of low-carbon heat networks. Under the leadership of
my hon. Friend, I am confident that geothermal has a positive
future.
(Kingston upon Hull West and
Hessle) (Lab)
Private sector businesses in the Humber are ready and willing to
invest £15 billion in carbon capture, storage and decarbonisation
projects. However, this is being put at risk because, of the
eight track 1 carbon capture and storage projects selected, not a
single project was approved for the Humber, despite the Humber
being the largest carbon emitter in the country and the fact that
80% of the UK’s licensed CO2 storage capacity is accessible from
the Humber. When will these businesses get the clarity they need?
When the track 1 expansion process is launched, will both Humber
pipelines be approved?
I thank the hon. Lady for her question, and she is right to be
frustrated because of the enormous potential both to decarbonise
and to unlock industrial benefits for the area. We are moving as
quickly as possible. I have already said that the Viking project
and the Scottish cluster are in the favoured position, and the
team is moving as quickly as possible this year to provide more
certainty and unlock further investment.
(Westmorland and Lonsdale) (LD)
Private sector investment in clean energy is vital, but does the
Minister agree that one reason that the United Kingdom, despite
having the highest tidal range on planet Earth after Canada,
still uses so little of it, is a lack of public sector
leadership? Areas such as Morecambe Bay, which could contribute
to tidal energy, bringing down people’s bills and protecting us
against Putin, are something that we could move forward. Will the
Minister agree to meet me and other MPs around the bay, so that
we can bring forward plans to get the most out of our tidal
energy?
I am not an expert in the hon. Gentleman’s history on this topic,
but I hope it has been consistently in favour of tidal energy,
and therefore different from so many other areas of policy. I
share his enthusiasm for the potential of tidal energy. That is
why we are the world’s leading nation in the deployment of tidal
range, and why tidal power is eligible for the contracts for
difference scheme. Notwithstanding so many issues, I would be
happy to meet the hon. Gentleman.
Community Energy Projects
(Exeter) (Lab)
13. What steps he plans to take to support the development of
community energy projects. (905779)
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security
and Net Zero ()
The Government are supporting local authorities and community
energy groups to work together to develop projects within UK
growth funding schemes, such as the UK shared prosperity fund.
Ofgem also welcomes funding applications from the sector to the
industry voluntary redress scheme.
Mr Bradshaw
Why did the Government remove amendments from the Energy Bill
last week that would have supported community energy and local
energy trading?
As we have outlined previously, the Government do not support the
amendments that were tabled in the Lords, and believe that the
issues raised should be considered as part of wider market
reform. However, we are proactively working with parliamentarians
and the community energy sector to discuss whether further
support from the Government for the sector is needed, and if so,
what might be feasible.
Prepayment Meters
(Southend West) (Con)
15. What energy cost support his Department has provided to
customers on traditional prepayment meters. (905781)
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security
and Net Zero ()
The Government have provided support to customers on traditional
prepayment meters through the energy bills support scheme and
energy price guarantee.
I very much welcome the measures that the Government have
announced to support those on traditional prepayment meters, but
many residents in Southend West, such as those living in Trafford
House in Leigh-on-Sea, are on communal heat networks. They are
still facing higher prices and have no control whatsoever over
their heating. What are the Government doing to encourage heat
suppliers to apply for the energy bill discount scheme ahead of
the deadline at the end of this month, which will benefit my
constituents who have no control over their energy bills?
My hon. Friend is a great advocate for all her constituents, and
she will be interested to hear that the Government are committed
to supporting domestic heat network customers with their bills.
That is why we introduced the energy bills discount scheme heat
network support, which aims to ensure that heat network customers
do not face disappointingly higher bills compared with customers
in equivalent households.
(Linlithgow and East Falkirk)
(SNP)
Can the Minister tell us the value of prepayment meter vouchers
not cashed by the 30 June deadline? What can the Government do to
ensure that support reaches those people who are eligible to get
it?
All hon. Members will know how abhorrent we found the use of
forced entry to people’s houses over prepayment meters. However,
we have worked hard and consistently to ensure that all those on
prepayment meters are treated fairly and given support.
Small Modular Nuclear Reactors
Mr (Delyn) (Ind)
16. What steps he is taking to introduce small modular nuclear
reactors into the energy mix. (905783)
(Warley) (Lab)
19. When his Department plans to complete its competitive process
for small modular nuclear reactor technologies. (905786)
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security
and Net Zero ()
I am pleased, and indeed proud, to say that Great British Nuclear
will be holding a competition for small modular reactors, because
we want to attract the best designs from both domestic and
international vendors. The Government’s ambition is to select the
leading technologies by autumn, providing co-funding to any
viable new technology. Our commitment to a nuclear programme and
to Great British Nuclear will enable the UK to be on a path to
achieve its ambition to become a global leader in nuclear energy
and small modular reactors.
Mr Roberts
As members of the Welsh Affairs Committee heard during a visit to
the United States in January, small modular reactors should play
a significant role in transition, alongside large-scale nuclear
projects. Does the Minister agree that while north-west Wales has
excellent scope for large-scale projects, parts of north-east
Wales would be outstanding prospects for an SMR site, as well as
capitalising on the region’s amazing manufacturing and
engineering capabilities to drive that part of the energy mix
forward?
The Government recognise the support for nuclear power across
north Wales. Great British Nuclear will work with the Government
on access to potential sites for new nuclear projects to achieve
our long-term ambition. As a first step towards the development
of the new national policy statement for nuclear, we will consult
later this year on a proposed way forward for determining how new
nuclear developments, including SMRs, might be located.
The Minister will know that this country has been producing small
nuclear reactors for our submarines for more than 50 years. Does
the Minister understand that while he is dithering around with
his time-wasting international competition, those international
competitors are out there in the market getting the orders and
selling, backed to the hilt by their own Governments? Is this
going to be yet another great British development created by our
scientists, engineers and skilled trades, but allowed to slip
away by blinkered civil servants and weak Ministers who cannot
make a decision?
Rolls-Royce is a great British company, which is why we
previously made up to £210 million available from the advanced
nuclear fund to Rolls-Royce SMR Ltd to support the development of
its small modular reactor design. Great British Nuclear will
launch the first-stage selection process for small modular
reactors, which is expected to attract the best designs from
domestic and international vendors, which will be great for this
country. By the way, we are going three times faster than any
comparable country on this project.
Energy Costs: Support for Households
(Livingston) (SNP)
18. What plans he has to support households with energy costs in
winter 2023-24. (905785)
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security
and Net Zero ()
The Government are committed to cheap energy for all. Last
winter, we covered half a typical energy bill through the
combined support of the energy price guarantee and the energy
bill support scheme since October, with a typical household
saving around £1,500 by the end of June.
There is a huge gulf between the reality and the practice of the
Government. The Public Accounts Committee has warned this Tory
Government about their lack of planning on support for consumers
with the cost of energy this winter. Lack of preparedness seems a
serious ailment within this Government. Given that Sense research
has found that more than 30% of disabled people are cutting back
on their use of medical equipment, when will we get a proper plan
from this Government, instead of the profiteering off the backs
of the most vulnerable, as we see from so many energy
companies?
We are of course making plans, and I do not accept that we are
not planning. We are also talking to stakeholders and ensuring
that we are giving the best support we can to all those who will
be vulnerable in winter 2023-24.
Topical Questions
(Brentford and Isleworth)
(Lab)
T1. If he will make a statement on his departmental
responsibilities.(905791)
The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero ()
Next week will mark the 500-day anniversary since Putin launched
his invasion of Ukraine and began trying to blackmail the world
on energy. As ever, Britain stood strong in the face of tyranny,
and I am pleased to report that from Saturday just past, energy
bills are falling by an average of 17% for households. We are
committed to powering Britain from Britain, despite some alarming
energy surrender plans coming from the Opposition.
The Climate Change Committee’s report published last week found
that of the policies and consultations that are the
responsibility of the Secretary of State’s Department, no less
than 33 are overdue. He cannot blame anyone else. Will he now own
up to the Government’s appalling failure?
The actual data argues the opposite way. We have met all our
carbon budgets to date. The Climate Change Committee last week
said that the chances of reaching carbon budget 4 are “slightly
increased”. We are confident of meeting it, and we have set out
our plans for carbon budgets 5 and 6. I have to say that given
that this country has the best record in the world among
developed nations for getting carbon under control, it is
surprising to hear the Opposition’s view.
Mark Fletcher (Bolsover) (Con)
T2. Our domestic nuclear sector and our military are struggling
to recruit and retain enough nuclear engineers. What discussions
is the Minister having with the sector and the Department for
Education to create a long-term workforce plan to solve the
issue?(905792)
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security
and Net Zero ()
Since day one, the skills challenges that we face have been a top
priority for me, which is why my Department is working closely
with the Ministry of Defence, the DFE and the sector to tackle
them. With the employer-led Nuclear Skills Strategy Group, we
have deployed a joint plan of skills actions to support the civil
and defence programmes, but I would be happy to meet my hon.
Friend to discuss that further.
Mr Speaker
I call the shadow Secretary of State.
(Doncaster North) (Lab)
Six days ago, the Climate Change Committee delivered its most
scathing assessment in its history on the Government’s record,
saying that they were off track on 41 out of 50 key targets. It
said that we have gone “markedly” backwards in the past year, on
the Secretary of State’s watch. Who does he blame for this
failure?
As has been discussed more than once in these questions and
answers, we have taken this country from having only 7% renewable
energy to over 40%. We have decarbonised faster than any other G7
nation and we are on track for carbon budget 4, having already
overdelivered on carbon budgets 1, 2 and 3. Based on our record
to date, we are doing a pretty good job.
That answer is total complacency from a Secretary of State who
has just been proven to be failing on every major aspect of his
agenda. That is why resigned. has said he is failing, and the
right hon. Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May) has said that we are
losing the global race. Is not the truth now that even the Tories
do not trust the Tories on the climate crisis?
This is one of the problems with not being prepared to follow the
data, which shows us overdelivering on the commitments of carbon
budgets 1, 2 and 3, and that we are more likely to meet carbon
budget 4 than we were a year ago. If the right hon. Gentleman
wants to ignore all that and still roll out his pre-written
question, that is how we get to his conclusions. The truth is
that the Government are delivering on the issues of climate
change while protecting every single household in the country
from Putin’s tyranny. I am afraid that has already been
surrendered by the right hon. Gentleman, who subscribes to the
Just Stop Oil approach.
Mr Speaker
Order. Can I just ask the Secretary of State to please not take
advantage? This is topicals. Please tell me if you want to pick a
Member who you do not want to be able to ask their question.
Philip Davies (Shipley) (Con)
T4. Will the Minister tell the House what his latest assessment
is of the full financial cost to the United Kingdom of reaching
net zero, and, if the UK reaches net zero, what difference that
would make to global temperatures?(905794)
The Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero ()
We estimate that the net cost excluding air quality and
emissions-saving benefits will be equivalent to about 1% to 2% of
GDP in 2050. As my hon. Friend knows, emissions are global, and
we all need to play our part. The UK has a part to play in tandem
with others, and that is why I will be working with other
Ministers at the conference of the parties in Dubai.
(Birkenhead) (Lab)
T3. The Climate Change Committee has slammed the Government for
their failure on energy efficiency, with the number of homes
helped under the energy company obligation having fallen by half
between 2021 to 2022 and now standing at a tenth of the level
under the last Labour Government. Instead of the usual complacent
nonsense, will the Minister explain why the Government are
failing to insulate Britain’s homes and what he will do about
it?(905793)
The hon. Gentleman is right to be frustrated about progress. But
as the Secretary of State said, when the right hon. Member for
Doncaster North (), who is chuntering on the
Front Bench, was in power, just 14% of homes were decently
insulated; by the end of the year, it will be more than 50%. We
have set up the energy efficiency taskforce because we want to go
further and faster. We are determined to do more. We are spending
£12.6 billion over this Parliament and the next, and—
Mr Speaker
Order.
Robbie Moore (Keighley) (Con)
T5. Many businesses across my constituency, including Lishman’s
butchers and Clip ’n Climb in Ilkley, have kindly contacted me
about needing additional support to help with their energy
prices. The Government have done a huge amount to support
domestic users, but will the Minister outline what more support
can be provided to small independent businesses?(905795)
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security
and Net Zero ()
My hon. Friend will be interested to hear that the Government
provided more than £7.4 billion of support to businesses—more
than £35 million a day—through the energy bill relief scheme last
winter.
(City of Durham) (Lab)
T6. Mine water heating is an emerging technology that employs the
heat stored in former mines to heat buildings. It is low-carbon
and efficient, and it could be a boon for our country, especially
in deindustrialised areas such as County Durham that experience
high levels of fuel poverty. What forms of support is the
Minister offering? Will he meet me to discuss how we can take
this forward in the north-east?(905796)
I share the hon. Lady’s enthusiasm. We are taking steps to
support this technology, and I would be delighted to meet her to
discuss it further.
(Kettering) (Con)
T7. Lots of green renewable energy is generated in
Northamptonshire. For the last year for which figures are
available, what was the total output, and the breakdown by
type?(905797)
Unfortunately, we do not have public data by constituency and do
not yet have the full data for 2022. However, I can tell my hon.
Friend that in 2021, north Northamptonshire generated a total of
362 GWh of renewable electricity. The people of Kettering, like
their representative, want Kettering to be one of the greenest
constituencies in the country.
(Sheffield, Hallam) (Lab)
T9. The Secretary of State has signalled that his party will
finally drop the nonsensical proposed hydrogen levy—another
welcome Government U-turn. Will he confirm that it is, in fact, a
U-turn? Will he outline exactly how the much-needed investment in
green hydrogen technology will be paid for without already
struggling households being made to foot the bill?
[R](905799)
The whole House will welcome the hydrogen economy as an important
way to store power. It is becoming increasingly apparent that
that power is most likely to be used in heavy industry as well as
heavy transport. This Government are committed to hydrogen power,
but we are also keen to ensure that it does not impact on
people’s energy bills, just as those bills are starting to fall
thanks to the support that we provided families with this past
winter.
(Waveney) (Con)
T8. The contracts for difference auctions have been very
successful in kickstarting the British success story that is
offshore wind. [Interruption.] However, the mechanism now needs
adaptation to maximise job creation in places such as Lowestoft
and to ensure that we adopt a strategic approach to the provision
of enabling infrastructure such as ports and the grid. I would
welcome an update from my right hon. Friend on the Government’s
work on this important issue.(905798)
I could only just hear my hon. Friend’s question, as the shadow
Secretary of State made it quite hard to hear. The Government
recently completed a call for evidence on this very subject,
looking at the introduction of non-price factors in the contracts
for difference scheme so that it values things other than just
cost deployment. My hon. Friend, like all Members on the
Government Front Bench, wants the maximum number of jobs created
and retained in this country.
(Newcastle upon Tyne
North) (Lab)
T10. has urged the Government to
“find the courage to place climate change once again at the heart
of its leadership.” Does the Minister share concerns that the
Prime Minister and, therefore, this Government are just too weak
to stand up to their Back Benchers and really grasp the
opportunity and necessity?(905800)
It was this Prime Minister who created the Department for Energy
Security and Net Zero, and it is this Government who have
delivered more than 43% renewable electricity on to the grid. We
will take no lectures from the Labour party on combating climate
change.
(Great Grimsby) (Con)
Will my hon. Friend please outline what his Department is doing
to look at the import of green hydrogen feedstock into the UK, to
increase the scale and speed of the UK industry and help us
achieve our 10 GW capacity by 2020?
I am aware of proposals on the shipping and possible piping of
hydrogen and the important part that must play. If we are to
decarbonise all of British industry, we will need shipping as
well as piping. I will be happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss
what further we can do.
(Stockton North) (Lab)
I very much welcome the recent progress on developing carbon
capture, usage and storage on Teesside. I hope we will see the
final confirmation that it will happen and the work will start.
That said, local industrialists and investors are concerned that
the Department is not now asking BP to build the CO2 collection
pipework as originally planned, meaning that it will not go to CF
Fertilisers or Kellas or pass by the Alfanar site. Could the
Minister provide an update, please?
We are moving at top speed to drive forward CCUS. We are in a
world-leading position. The opportunity is enormous in the Tees,
the Humber and areas in the north-west as we seek to get that
right and embed those industries in this country.
(Camborne and Redruth)
(Con)
The unique geology of Cornwall means that there is huge potential
for geothermal energy. There are a number of projects bidding for
the current allocation round. Geothermal energy has a competitive
strike price, has lithium as a by-product and makes use of mature
technology. Will the Secretary of State ensure that those
benefits are properly factored into any assessments?
My right hon. Friend is absolutely right about the opportunities
of geothermal. He will be pleased to know that it just received a
potential allocation through the contracts for difference round.
As he and other hon. Friends have pointed out, geothermal has
great potential in this country, and we look forward to
supporting it.
(Angus) (SNP)
Communities in Padanaram, Forfar, Aberlemno and Stracathro in my
constituency have been on the receiving end of an extraordinarily
flawed consultation by SSEN—Scottish and Southern Electricity
Networks—on taking a 400 kV line from Tealing to Kintore. I
welcome the investment, but can the Minister advise on the
minimum standards for consultations on capital infrastructure of
this nature, and why will Ofgem not mandate that there is a
community benefit?
I will, with the hon. Gentleman’s permission, arrange to write
back to him in a more detailed structure, given that the
development is actually in the constituency of my hon. Friend the
Member for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine ().
(Harrogate and Knaresborough)
(Con)
Unlocking access to the grid will unlock significant private
sector capital ready to come in for microgeneration of battery
storage projects. Can my hon. Friend give me an update on the
timing for the Winser review and the Government’s response to
it?
The Government have received Nick Winser’s review and it will be
published imminently.
Dame (Llanelli) (Lab)
Following a debate in Westminster Hall on making heritage
buildings more sustainable, will the Secretary of State undertake
to meet his colleague the Minister with responsibility for
culture to push for the urgent revision of guidelines to allow
greater flexibility in the siting of solar panels and other
renewable installations on heritage buildings, in order to make
them more environmentally sustainable and economically
viable?
Speaking for myself, I would be delighted to have a meeting on
that subject.
(Rugby) (Con)
At a time when the cost of generating electricity is falling
thanks to the increasing use of renewables, my constituents do
not understand why the price of electricity remains linked to the
price of gas. I know that the Government are undertaking a review
of electricity market arrangements. When might they expect to see
a change?
My hon. Friend is quite right to ask that question. We would all
like to see gas setting the price of electricity more frequently.
That is why we are accelerating the take-up of renewables, which
were so pitifully low in quantity when Labour was in power. We
need a Conservative Government to keep up progress and lower
bills right across the country.
Mr (East Londonderry)
(DUP)
The Secretary of State outlined the progress being made on small
modular nuclear reactors. Can he provide an estimate of how many
there might be within 10 years?
Great British Nuclear will be launched later in July. We will
also be launching the draw-down selection process for which
technologies we will invest in and support. I would be delighted
to speak to the hon. Gentleman in more detail about that progress
moving forward.
(Glasgow North) (SNP)
I think my constituents, not least those who are part of the
Glasgow Community Energy co-operative, will be disappointed with
the Minister’s answer to the right hon. Member for Exeter (Mr
Bradshaw). The Minister is extremely familiar with the clauses
that form part of the proposed community energy Bill. They are
not acceptable as amendments to the Energy Bill before this
House. Will the Government bring forward their own amendments, so
that community energy groups can have the confidence they need to
take forward their projects?
As I said, we are working with the sector and parliamentarians to
find a way forward to further support community energy projects.
As part of that, I would be delighted to meet the hon. Gentleman
to discuss it further.
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