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Energy Grid Resilience 2025-04-30
30 April 2025
Lead MP
Michael Shanks
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Climate
Other Contributors: 27
At a Glance
Michael Shanks raised concerns about energy grid resilience 2025-04-30 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero opened the debate by reassuring the House about the resilience of Great Britain's energy network in light of recent power outages in the Iberian peninsula. He stated that the UK grid has not been impacted and emphasised its high level of resilience, with multiple redundant routes to manage faults without causing a total shutdown. The Minister also highlighted ongoing work by government and industry to maintain grid resilience through robust emergency plans and regular exercises.
Andrew Bowie
Con
West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine
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.
Claire Young
LD
Thornbury and Yate
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.
Jessica Morden
Lab
Newport East
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.
Harriet Cross
Con
Gordon and Buchan
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.
Ruth Cadbury
Lab
Brentford and Isleworth
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.
Richard Tice
Reform
Boston and Skegness
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.
Luke Murphy
Lab
Basingstoke
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.
Michael Shanks
UK Government
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.
Adam Jogee
Lab
Newcastle-under-Lyme
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.
Stephen Flynn
SNP
Aberdeen South
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.
Barry Gardiner
Lab
Brent West
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.
Roger Gale
Con
Herne Bay and Sandwich
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.
Pamela Nash
Lab
Motherwell, Wishaw and Carluke
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.
Edinburgh West
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.
John Slinger
Lab
Rugby
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.
David Mundell
Con
Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale
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.
Chris Vince
Lab/Co-op
Harlow
Offered light-hearted comments on marathon runners present, expressing hope that kinetic energy could be harnessed instead. Did not provide a detailed position statement.
Mid Sussex
Asks about resilience of mobile networks during power outages after PSTN switch-off by 2027, highlighting potential issues with emergency calls in such situations.
Penrith and Solway
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.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Raises concerns over cost implications of building additional network infrastructure, battery storage, and keeping gas generators idling as part of the system resilience strategy.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Asks the Minister to reconsider the permanent sealing of two shale gas wells, raising concerns about potential wartime scenarios where these could be crucial.
Dave Doogan
SNP
Angus and Perthshire Glens
Critiques the Minister for making statements prematurely without full understanding of events in Spain and Portugal. Questions NESO's confidence after recent incidents.
David Reed
Con
Exmouth and Exeter East
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.
Michael Shanks
Con
Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy
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.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
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.
Government Response
Responding to Andrew Bowie, Michael Shanks reaffirmed the Government's commitment to energy security. He acknowledged the need to build new grid infrastructure and emphasised that work has been ongoing on resilience measures since the previous government's Operation Mighty Oak exercise. The Minister also stated that lessons from Spain's outage will be implemented. Minister emphasised the importance of moving towards low-carbon energy, stating it is crucial for energy security and lower electricity prices. He 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. Additionally, he discussed Centrica’s Rough gas storage site, highlighting discussions on regulatory support but noting value-for-money considerations. Emphasised the importance of resilience and transition to clean power with robust cyber-security measures in place. Highlighted Government support for various technologies including nuclear, carbon capture, hydrogen, small modular reactors, and rotating stabilisers. Responds to questions about resilience in mobile networks, surge protection devices, shale gas wells, NESO's confidence, and inter-departmental coordination. Defends current infrastructure plans as necessary for delivering cheaper electricity in the long term. Mr. Shanks acknowledged the importance of BESS in future energy systems while emphasising safety concerns. He mentioned that the Health and Safety Executive has a role in reviewing these issues and committed to keeping the matter under review as more battery schemes are developed.
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