Battery Sector 2023-06-29
2023-06-29
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The UK needs more battery production facilities to achieve net zero and build a competitive automotive industry.
What steps is the Department taking to support the battery sector? I recently visited Williams Advanced Engineering, an excellent example of British engineers working at the cutting edge of battery technology. The Government's £541 million Faraday battery challenge has supported more than 140 organisations and attracted over £400 million in co-investment.
The Government's £541 million Faraday battery challenge has supported more than 140 organisations working across the UK, attracting over £400 million in co-investment, and enabled 500 researchers across more than 25 universities to improve and develop battery technologies.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
Blyth estuary is considered the best site in the UK for high-volume battery manufacturing due to its green power supplies, deep-water port, and skilled workforce.
Does the Minister agree that it is vital for this Government to grasp the opportunity of Blyth estuary for new green jobs? Blyth has an excellent location for a gigafactory. We have green power supplies, a deep-water port, and a talented and willing workforce.
Yes, I do agree that it is vital for this Government to grasp the opportunity at Blyth. We continue to work closely with the local authority to secure the best outcome for that site.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
JCB has developed a hydrogen combustion engine for heavy vehicles that is showing promising results.
Will the Secretary of State encourage the production of hydrogen and visit JCB to see their innovative work on hydrogen? I recently visited JCB, which has developed a hydrogen combustion engine that works well with heavy vehicles. Hydrogen is moving very fast indeed. Will she stop the Transport Minister in the House of Lords dissing hydrogen as ineffective?
I agree with the hon. Gentleman that hydrogen is one of the viable ways to help us achieve net zero. The Government are looking at all possible options to support cutting-edge technology for our green transition.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not directly address visiting JCB or stopping the Transport Minister in the House of Lords from dissing hydrogen.
Let A Thousand Flowers Bloom
Government Is Looking At All Options
Response accuracy