Renewable Energy 2023-03-01
2023-03-01
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP inquired about recent discussions on support for renewable energy generation, focusing specifically on innovative tidal stream technologies at Morlais.
What recent discussions has the Minister had with Cabinet colleagues on support for renewable energy in Wales?
The UK Government are committed to supporting renewable energy generation in Wales, including innovative tidal stream technologies at Morlais through our flagship contracts for difference scheme. I will continue to work across Government to ensure we can capitalise on the huge renewable energy opportunities Wales has to offer.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP highlighted the need for a national wealth fund to help industries like Welsh steel transition away from fossil fuels.
What comparable steps will the Government take to help heavy industry decarbonise?
The Government have provided £21.5 million to the south Wales industrial cluster for decarbonising heavy industry and supporting the transition to net zero. Opportunities such as floating offshore wind in that region could be critical too.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP expressed Labour's ambition to quadruple offshore wind capacity to make the UK a clean energy superpower.
When will the Government match that ambition so sectors such as Welsh offshore wind can achieve their full potential?
There is an intention for 4 GW of power to be provided through the Celtic sea by 2035, and many more gigawatts in the future. This includes floating offshore wind in south-west Wales and south-west England.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP mentioned the opportunity with floating offshore wind in the Celtic sea and proposed a Celtic sea freeport for south Wales, also mentioning the potential of gigawatt-scale nuclear power on Ynys Môn.
Would the Minister agree that we have a brilliant opportunity with the deployment of floating offshore wind in the Celtic sea? And would they support giving us the Celtic freeport for south Wales?
£60 million is being invested in the marine project at Pembroke dock through the Swansea Bay city deal, showing potential for his region. However, no specific mention of supporting the Celtic freeport was given.
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Assessment & feedback
Supporting the Celtic sea freeport for south Wales
Investment In Other Projects
Response accuracy
Q5
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP questioned the Minister about better co-operation between the European Union and the UK over energy, highlighting the Windsor framework.
Does the Minister agree that over recent months we have seen better co-operation between the European Union and the UK over energy?
My right hon. and learned Friend is of course right that co-operation is always a good thing, and interconnectors are critical to our energy security. A company proposing a second interconnector connecting mainland Great Britain with the Republic of Ireland was met recently.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP raised concerns about the billions of pounds of excess profits untouched by the Government's windfall tax while people struggle with household bills.
How can the Government justify leaving billions of pounds of excess profits untouched?
Up to 70% in tax has been taken from energy producers through the windfall tax, bringing a great deal of money into the Treasury to fund support packages. However, this does not address leaving excess profits untouched directly.
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Assessment & feedback
Justifying untaxed profits
Mentioning Benefits Of Current Measures
Response accuracy