Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Gas-fired Power Stations

13 March 2024 · 18 other contributors

Opened by Graham Stuart Con Beverley and Holderness

ClimateEnergy

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Graham Stuart raised concerns about gas-fired power stations in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Second consultation of the review of electricity market arrangements was launched yesterday
  • Aims to deliver a fully decarbonised electricity system by 2035
  • Renewable energy has grown from less than 7% in 2010 to nearly 50% today

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Government Statement

Graham Stuart

Yesterday, the second consultation of the review of electricity market arrangements was launched. It aims to deliver a fully decarbonised electricity system by 2035. Since 2010, emissions from power have reduced by 65%, making the UK the first major economy to halve overall emissions. Renewable energy has grown significantly, increasing electricity supply from less than 7% in 2010 to nearly 50% today, leading to the removal of coal by October this year. To ensure security of supply as demand increases due to electrification of heat, transport and industry, we need up to 55 GW of short-duration flexibility and between 30-50 GW of long-duration flexibility. We aim for low-carbon capacity wherever possible while scaling up low-carbon technologies. Existing gas assets will be extended temporarily until new build gas capacity can replace expiring plants. The government is committed to £20 billion for carbon capture, usage and storage and hydrogen development. Unabated gas plants will run for limited hours annually, ensuring emissions align with legally binding carbon budgets.

Other contributors (18)
  • Caroline Lucas

    Question

    The shadow criticises the Government's complacency regarding climate targets, questioning why announcements are made outside Parliament and highlighting risks associated with new gas-fired power stations. She inquires about differences from existing capacity markets, timelines for developing gas plants, and plans to ensure zero carbon status by 2035.

    Minister reply

    The Minister responds that scrutiny is possible through the ongoing consultation process. He clarifies territorial emissions vs embedded emissions and highlights the economic growth achieved alongside decarbonisation. The new gas capacity is consistent with decarbonising electricity by 2035, reducing gas generation from 38% in 2022 to potentially 1-2% by 2035.

  • Jacob Rees-Mogg

    Question

    Welcomes the announcement on gas-fired power stations but criticises the cost of electricity compared to other countries. He advocates for postponing net zero targets indefinitely due to low UK emissions and economic impacts.

    Minister reply

    The Minister acknowledges scientific evidence supporting climate action and highlights international commitments secured at COP26. The carbon border adjustment mechanism will ensure an economically rational system that supports jobs in the UK while addressing global climate challenges.

  • Alan Whitehead Lab Southampton, Test

    Question

    I am confused about the announcement as it appears to go beyond existing analysis and policy. The Government's own documents suggest that extending the life of existing plants and refurbishing them should be sufficient for maintaining gas capacity, but there is no mention of building new plants. Given this context, could the Minister provide clarity on whether the government plans to build a significant number of new gas-fired power stations?

    Minister reply

    The Government are indeed planning around 5 GW of new gas plants that will be hydrogen or carbon capture-ready. This is dependent on factors such as the growth of low-carbon and flexible storage technologies, in which we are leading innovators.

  • Jerome Mayhew Con Broadland and Fakenham

    Question

    The Committee On Climate Change recognises that unabated gas will be needed until 2035 and beyond. Does my right hon Friend agree that this is the right approach for maintaining lower energy production costs while meeting our net zero targets?

    Minister reply

    Yes, I agree with my hon Friend. The point is to have a wide range of back-up capacity, but not to use it very much. Any new gas generation should be carbon capture-ready and hydrogen-ready as well.

  • Dave Doogan SNP Angus and Perthshire Glens

    Question

    The Secretary of State’s letter claims the Government are taking steps to ensure the lights stay on. This is a significant departure from previous policies. Where is the nuclear baseload now? And where is the exemplar of CCUS working at scale? The government's decision is alarming and confusing.

    Minister reply

    In 2022, 38% of generation came from gas. By the mid-2030s, it will be 1% or 2%. We are focusing on growing renewables, particularly in Scotland, and providing connecting infrastructure to ensure stability.

  • James Wild Con North West Norfolk

    Question

    How will the plans incentivise investment in back-up gas-fired power stations while minimising costs to consumers?

    Minister reply

    We are using an auction-type mechanism in the capacity market to ensure flexible capacity, and we are incentivising more low carbon solutions such as batteries, pumps, and potentially hydrostorage.

  • Angus MacNeil SNP Na h-Eileanan an Iar

    Question

    It is concerning that the announcement was made in Chatham House. The Minister says this is a consultation, but have the Government picked a winner? What room has been given for storage to be part of the mix? How does energy security relate to continual electricity supply?

    Minister reply

    The percentage of gas used will decrease from 38% in 2022 to around 1-2% by mid-2030s. We are ensuring a robust system and driving costs down, especially with the introduction of CBAM.

  • Alexander Stafford Con Bolton West

    Question

    I welcome the announcement for medium to longer-term security of supply. Does the Minister agree that we must upscale our hydrogen sector?

    Minister reply

    Agreeing with the importance of hydrogen, there is no indication that we are slipping behind other countries in this area.

  • Mark Hendrick Lab Co-op Preston

    Question

    Expresses respect for the Minister's knowledge but criticises the Government for relying on carbon capture and storage, a technology still in its infancy. Suggests the decision is politically motivated to appease right-wing parties.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledges the challenges but emphasises that Britain leads in cutting emissions and needs gas power as back-up due to system constraints.

  • Heather Wheeler

    Question

    Invites the Minister to visit a site with planning permission for a new gas power station, praising its readiness.

    Minister reply

    Agrees and expresses willingness to visit the site.

  • Wera Hobhouse Lib Dem Bath

    Question

    Claims that gas is not an intermittent energy source and criticises the Government for underestimating renewable energy issues. Asks about meetings with oil and gas industry representatives.

    Minister reply

    Defends the decision, citing infrastructure constraints and opposing views from the Scottish National party.

  • Martin Vickers Con Brigg and Immingham

    Question

    Welcomes the policy and asks if new plants will be capable of converting to low-carbon alternatives.

    Minister reply

    Confirms that legislation is in place to mandate carbon capture or hydrogen readiness.

  • Sammy Wilson DUP East Antrim

    Question

    Suggests the decision reflects a realisation of net zero policy's negative impacts and asks why the UK does not utilise its own gas resources.

    Minister reply

    Rejects claims, citing record employment levels and the UK's position as an economic leader in low-carbon energy.

  • Bob Blackman Con Harrow East

    Question

    States that nuclear power can provide baseload and gas is necessary for peak times. Asks if the policy aims to top up grid capacity.

    Minister reply

    Confirms halving timelines for transmission projects and underscores falling emissions over the next decade.

  • Deidre Brock

    Question

    Questions the necessity of new gas-powered plants, citing lack of investment in renewable technologies. Asks about costs and locations.

    Minister reply

    Defends Britain's progress on renewables and criticises SNP for misleading claims.

  • Patrick Grady

    Question

    Asks the Government to recognise a climate emergency, citing UN Secretary-General statements.

    Minister reply

    Reiterates commitment to action despite criticism over terminology use.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Question

    Appreciates the Minister's recognition of Northern Ireland’s role in net zero targets and asks for prioritisation.

    Minister reply

    Agrees to collaborate with devolved administrations, including Northern Ireland.

Shadow Comment

Caroline Lucas

The shadow criticises the Government's complacency regarding climate targets. Despite past achievements in decarbonisation, the UK is not on track to meet 2030 targets and has only cut consumption emissions by 23%. The announcement of new gas-fired power stations risks undermining climate goals and dependence on expensive imported gas. Questions include why the statement was made outside Parliament, differences from existing capacity markets, timeline for developing gas plants, and plans for ensuring zero carbon status by 2035. Caroline Lucas also demands evidence-based assurance regarding development of storage technologies to reduce reliance on volatile gas.

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