Wind and Solar Energy Short-term Investment 2023-02-07
2023-02-07
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The Liberal Democrat MP questions the government's approach to funding wind and solar energy compared to other major economies. She highlights a disparity in subsidies between oil and gas exploration and renewables, suggesting Britain is lagging.
What fiscal steps are being taken with Cabinet colleagues to maximise short-term investment in wind and solar energy? Since 2016, over £10 billion has been spent on oil and gas exploration and extraction subsidies while major economies like the US and EU plan massive investments for renewable transformation. Britain is behind. Should we phase down subsidies for new oil and gas exploration and invest that money in renewables to accelerate the transition? We are not transitioning fast enough and missing net zero targets.
The Government encourage investment in the UK energy sector through contracts for difference, which have provided nearly £6 billion net in price support to renewable electricity projects. Britain has reduced emissions faster than any other G7 nation and last year 40% of our energy came from renewables while just 1.5% came from coal. We still need investment in the North Sea and domestic sources for energy security.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about phasing down oil and gas exploration subsidies was not addressed directly, instead highlighting overall progress on renewables and energy security.
I Respect The Hon. Lady'S Consistency In Asking These Questions, But I Beg To Differ When She Says We Are Lagging Behind.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The Liberal Democrat MP questions the government's transition from oil and gas subsidies towards renewable energy investment, referencing international efforts.
Since 2016, over £10 billion has been spent on oil and gas exploration and extraction subsidies while major economies like the US and EU plan massive investments for renewable transformation. Britain is behind. Should we phase down subsidies for new oil and gas exploration and invest that money in renewables to accelerate the transition? We are not transitioning fast enough and missing net zero targets.
We have reduced emissions faster than any other G7 nation. Last year, 40% of our energy came from renewables and just 1.5% came from coal. We see huge investment in renewables through contracts for difference, providing nearly £6 billion net in price support to renewable electricity projects.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about phasing down oil and gas exploration subsidies was not directly answered; instead highlighting overall progress on renewables.
I Respect The Hon. Lady'S Consistency In Asking These Questions, But I Beg To Differ When She Says We Are Lagging Behind.
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The MP is proud of the government's record on renewable energy and welcomes the new Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. She questions about nuclear baseload for decarbonising transport and manufacturing.
Does the Minister agree that nuclear baseload is key if we are to decarbonise the transport and manufacturing sectors and deliver this Government's net zero 2050 target? I am proud of this Government's track record on renewable energy, and I welcome today's announcement that there will be a new Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
My hon. Friend is right about championing nuclear; she has consistently promoted it. Renewables are vital, but we also need a baseload energy source. After Putin's invasion of Ukraine, the lesson learned is that policy must ensure both renewables and overall energy security, with nuclear being crucial for such stability.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy