Energy Grid Resilience 2025-04-30

The MP expressed concern over the rapid transition towards renewable energy sources, arguing that it reduces inertia in the grid, which is crucial for stability. He criticised the Labour Government's target to build a grid dependent on wind and solar within five years as potentially less reliable than one based on fossil fuels. Bowie also raised questions about cybersecurity threats and called for transparency regarding the role of inertia in power system stability.

The Minister emphasised the importance of moving towards low-carbon energy, stating that it is crucial for energy security and lower electricity prices. He also highlighted that gas sets the price for electricity 98% of the time in the UK and argued that more renewables would push down bills and stabilize pricing.

The Minister reiterated his position, stressing the need to avoid speculation about the cause of recent outages in Spain and Portugal. He also underlined the role of gas as the price setter for electricity and emphasised that renewables help bring down costs and provide energy security.

The Liberal Democrat spokesperson expressed concern about recent power outages and highlighted the need for robust home-grown energy solutions. She questioned the Minister on preparations within the UK government to handle similar incidents, specifically in regards to transport networks, hospitals, urgent healthcare settings, and emergency communication capacity.

The Labour Member highlighted a battery storage facility project being established by SAE Renewables in Newport. She asked the Minister to visit this facility and discuss more about what he is doing with battery energy storage companies to support their work.

The Member raised concerns regarding Centrica’s Rough gas storage site, which needs regulatory support and a cap and floor mechanism for investment. She inquired about the progress made on this matter by the Government.

The Labour Member drew attention to the relatively minor impact of recent power outages at UK airports compared to Spain, questioning if there are lessons to be learned for UK airport management in terms of resilience.

The Member questioned whether the Network Exports System Operator (NESO) was transparent about unexpected outages, expressing concerns about voltage fluctuations from renewables potentially becoming a serious risk.

The Labour Member welcomed the Minister's measured approach and criticised some Opposition Members for jumping to conclusions blaming renewables without evidence. He emphasised that such ideological opposition against clean energy would leave constituents colder and poorer.

Stressed the importance of a multi-faceted approach to energy security, including nuclear power, carbon capture and storage, hydrogen, and smart technologies. Emphasised the necessity of robust cyber-security measures to protect against threats to critical national infrastructure.

Expressed concern about foreign technology integration into UK's grid and potential risks associated with smart systems being operated by third parties. Asked the Minister for concrete steps to protect against cyber-attacks.

Asked the Minister about the Government’s intentions regarding full funding and licensing of the Acorn project, a critical element in Scotland's energy infrastructure. Wanted assurance that it will be treated as a track 2 project.

Argued for renewables as key to both clean and secure energy supply. Cited lower costs and reduced greenhouse gas emissions from wind and solar compared to fossil fuels, highlighting the financial and environmental benefits.

Opposed construction of a high converter station in his constituency, citing vulnerability to physical and cyber-attacks. Suggested reconsidering small modular reactors as an alternative energy source.

Congratulated the Minister on completing the London marathon but expressed disappointment over Conservative Members' use of recent events in Spain and Portugal to oppose clean power. Highlighted the need for patience and clear-headed approach during transitions.

Asked about mitigations against handing control of vital energy supplies over to foreign companies, specifically referencing concerns about hardware provided by Mingyang in North Sea wind farms. Wanted assurance that national security checks are carried out.

Highlighted the importance of businesses such as GE Vernova in providing stabilisers for UK’s power grid, stressing economic benefits and job creation. Praised Minister's support for investing in grid upgrades and infrastructure.

Expressed concerns about Scotland's ability to quickly reboot its power grid post-outage. Emphasised potential societal impacts of prolonged outages drawing from recent events in Spain and Portugal.

Offered light-hearted comments on marathon runners present, expressing hope that kinetic energy could be harnessed instead. Did not provide a detailed position statement.

Asks about resilience of mobile networks during power outages after PSTN switch-off by 2027, highlighting potential issues with emergency calls in such situations.

Inquires about investment in synthetic inertia technologies for grid resilience during the transition to renewables. Suggests installing surge protection devices across all homes and businesses.

Raises concerns over cost implications of building additional network infrastructure, battery storage, and keeping gas generators idling as part of the system resilience strategy.

Asks the Minister to reconsider the permanent sealing of two shale gas wells, raising concerns about potential wartime scenarios where these could be crucial.

Critiques the Minister for making statements prematurely without full understanding of events in Spain and Portugal. Questions NESO's confidence after recent incidents.

Questions who is responsible for coordinating reporting on power grid incidents, citing the need for skills from multiple departments such as DSIT, NCSC, and Met Office.

Mr. Shanks acknowledged the fire risks associated with BESS but emphasised that batteries will play a critical role in the future energy system. He stated that the Health and Safety Executive has a role in reviewing safety issues, and he committed to keeping the issue under review as more battery schemes are developed.

Dr Murrison raised concerns about the reliability of renewable energy sources during winter months in northern Europe. He proposed supporting the UK-Morocco power project, which could potentially deliver 8% of the UK’s grid needs and enhance the resilience of the UK grid.