Renewable Energy Support 2023-05-24
2023-05-24
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question is prompted by the need for increased support for renewable energy projects in Wales, particularly focusing on tidal stream technologies and floating offshore wind industries.
What discussions he has had with the Welsh Government on support for renewable energy in Wales. He highlighted the innovative tidal stream technologies at Morlais and the potential of floating offshore wind industry through the £160 million manufacturing investment scheme funding.
The UK Government are committed to supporting renewable energy generation in Wales—including the innovative tidal stream technologies at Morlais, through our flagship contracts for difference scheme—and supporting the huge potential of our floating offshore wind industry through the £160 million in floating offshore wind manufacturing investment scheme funding for port infrastructure.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The devolution of the Crown Estate in Scotland has allowed for a more coherent supply chain development for renewable energy. In Wales, 75% of the public want similar benefits from natural resources.
The devolution of the Crown Estate in Scotland has enabled better coherence in renewable energy supply chain development and 75% of Welsh people support such devolution to benefit from their natural resources. Will Westminster listen to this demand, or is it another case of 'Westminster knows best'?
Devolving the Crown Estate would be very risky for Wales, given that at present the revenue spent by the UK Treasury is invested across the whole United Kingdom, but I can assure the hon. Gentleman that this UK Government will be committed to seeing renewable energy spread across the UK, alongside our other priorities of halving inflation, cutting debt, ending small boat crossings and reducing NHS waiting lists in the areas where we are responsible for doing so.
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Assessment & feedback
The riskiness of devolving the Crown Estate was acknowledged but without addressing public demand directly.
Riskiness
Other Priorities
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Anglesey leads the way in renewable energy but was recently disrupted by sudden bridge closures, highlighting poor infrastructure. The Menai suspension bridge has a 7.5-tonne weight limit causing significant traffic issues.
Anglesey is leading in renewable energy, yet it suffers from inadequate connectivity; this week's Britannia Bridge closure and the 7.5-tonne weight limit on the Menai Suspension Bridge created chaos. Does the Secretary of State agree that building a third crossing would help?
My hon. Friend is absolutely right about this. The Welsh Labour Government need to start building roads and start building bridges as well.
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Assessment & feedback
Blame On Other Party
Response accuracy