Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Some projects wait up to 15 years to connect to the grid, and there are concerns about a 'zombie waiting list'.
I thank the Minister for his response. He will know that some projects are waiting up to 15 years to connect to the grid, and the Secretary of State earlier referred to the zombie waiting list. Could I push him further and ask precisely what concrete steps the Department is taking to drastically cut that waiting list?
We have outlined significant reforms to the connections queue. There is currently more than 740 GW in that connection queue, most of which does not really exist. We prioritise projects that are ready to connect to the grid and have strategic importance to the grid through our reforms. The clean power action plan will drive forward these strategic outcomes. This work is under way with the National Energy System Operator considering those proposals, freeing up a huge number of projects from the connections queue for new ones.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Sites in Olly Glover's constituency host scientific and high-tech businesses. The Future Oxfordshire Partnership has raised concerns about grid constraints causing delays to decarbonisation activities.
In my Oxfordshire constituency of Didcot and Wantage, sites at Culham, Harwell campus and Milton Park host a growing range of scientific and high-tech businesses, including a proposed artificial intelligence growth zone at Culham. Major housing growth also continues, and the new Valley Park development will use air source heat pumps. However, the Future Oxfordshire Partnership has raised concerns that grid constraints are causing significant delays to decarbonisation activities and creation of local power grids. What steps will the Minister take to address these problems and create an electricity grid fit for 21st-century Oxfordshire?
There are two parts to addressing these problems. First, connections reform prioritises projects that are strategically relevant and ready to deliver. Second, building significantly more grid infrastructure is necessary. Members need a practical approach: support new grid infrastructure to unlock the potential of demand projects like AI growth zones.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The answer did not provide concrete steps or timelines for addressing specific issues in Oxfordshire but outlined general principles.
Working With Partners
Looking At This
Response accuracy