Land Use Renewable Energy Generation 2023-12-04
2023-12-04
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
There is ongoing debate about the efficiency and impact of using land for solar panels versus small modular reactors in meeting UK's energy needs. The question arises from discussions on balancing renewable energy deployment with protecting farmland.
What recent discussions has he had with the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero on the use of land for renewable energy generation?
The Government have a framework in place that supports the deployment of renewable energy technologies. This is balanced by national planning policy, which protects farmland.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific recent discussions or agreements were not detailed
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Current usage data indicates that solar panels require significantly more land area per unit energy output than small modular reactors, raising concerns about the efficiency and impact on agricultural land.
On current usage, 2,000 acres of solar panels are required to power around 50,000 homes, whereas a small modular reactor requires just two football pitches and powers 1 million homes. Does my hon. Friend agree that solar is a highly inefficient land use, and can he confirm that the provision to protect land used in food production remains in the new national planning policy framework?
We will be publishing more on the NPPF shortly. We need a variety of different energy sources to support the UK's future energy needs.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific confirmation regarding protections for agricultural land was not provided
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
There is a known disparity in the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme, which provides financial support to renewable energy projects. The issue affects Northern Ireland's ability to access equal funding opportunities compared to other parts of the UK.
As the Minister knows, there is a disparity between the contracts for difference scheme for the mainland and what exists for Northern Ireland. I have made overtures to the Minister responsible to see whether we can get that changed, but that has not happened yet. Will the Minister use his influence to make sure that we in Northern Ireland are treated equally with everybody else in the United Kingdom?
The hon. Gentleman might like to write or speak separately on this issue, and either I or my colleagues will be happy to respond.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment or timeline for addressing the disparity was not given
Suggests Alternative Communication Methods
Response accuracy