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Offshore Wind Transmission Connections
05 November 2020
Lead MP
Duncan Baker
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
ClimateParliamentary Procedure
Other Contributors: 1
At a Glance
Duncan Baker raised concerns about offshore wind transmission connections 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
Duncan Baker, in his first Adjournment debate, highlighted the transformative potential of wind energy for climate change mitigation and the UK's position as a leader in decarbonisation. He noted that off the coast of Norfolk and Suffolk, there are already 52% of all wind farms in the country, which will contribute over 60% of the nation’s energy once current applications are built. Baker praised the government's commitment to reaching net zero by 2050 but emphasised a critical issue: how to efficiently connect such vast amounts of power into the transmission grid. He pointed out that communities in his constituency and others face disruption due to the invasive nature of connecting these projects, urging for better infrastructure and methods.
Eleanor Laing
Con
West Berkshire
Order was given by Eleanor Laing at 16:52, reminding the lead MP that it is five o'clock. Another intervention was made at 17:00.
Government Response
The Minister of State for Energy responded positively to Duncan Baker's concerns, acknowledging the significant role MPs have played in pushing forward this issue. He highlighted that the government has significantly increased its ambition regarding offshore wind capacity from 10 GW by 2030 to 40 GW, leading to a need for an offshore transmission network system. The Minister launched an offshore transmission network review in July to bring together stakeholders and address timing and design issues. He noted that shifting towards a more integrated solution could save up to £6 billion by 2050 and provide substantial environmental benefits. While acknowledging the time needed due to the complexity of redesigning regulatory frameworks, he emphasised the government's commitment to expedite this process for economic and environmental gains.
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About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.