Energy-intensive Industries Decarbonisation 2023-09-19

2023-09-19

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Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Stella Creasy Lab Co-op
Walthamstow
Context
Steel accounts for 8% of global carbon dioxide emissions and 50,000 jobs in the UK. There is no viable alternative to steel, yet the Government's decision to go with an electric arc furnace only modelled for decarbonisation risks thousands of jobs and makes the industry vulnerable to changes in steel prices.
We have no viable alternative to steel, which is why the Government's decision to go with an electric arc furnace only modelled for decarbonisation does not make any sense. Not only does it put at risk thousands of jobs but it makes the industry vulnerable to changes in steel prices, as the UK will have to import it. The Minister spoke about carbon capture, but can she explain why the Government have not gone for a combination of technologies such as carbon capture, or the retrofitting required for hydrogen-based steel production? That way, we would not only decarbonise the industry but protect those vital jobs and the industry in the UK for generations to come.
The Government's deal has provided long-term security for at least 5,000 steel jobs. The investment will grow UK domestic green steel production. I gently urge the hon. Lady to look at her party's plans for industry, which have been described as impossible and decimating the working classes.
Assessment & feedback
Explanation of why the government has not opted for a combination of technologies like carbon capture and hydrogen-based steel production
I Gently Urge The Hon. Lady To Look At Her Party'S Plans For Industry, Which Have Been Described As Impossible And Decimating The Working Classes.
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Caroline Nokes Con
Romsey and Southampton North
Context
SB Joinery in Caroline Nokes' constituency contains a large sawmill and planing facility but has been deemed ineligible for high levels of the energy bills discount scheme.
Energy-intensive industries come in many forms. Can my right hon. Friend provide any reassurance that the Government will review the classifications of what constitutes an energy-intensive industry? SB Joinery in my constituency contains a large sawmill and planing facility, but has been deemed ineligible for high levels of the energy bills discount scheme. Would my right hon. Friend be prepared to look at that case personally?
I would be delighted to meet my right hon. Friend and discuss that particular case. We keep looking at everything we can do to support business, as we have done this entire time.
Assessment & feedback
Concrete action on reviewing classifications of energy-intensive industries
We Keep Looking At Everything We Can Do To Support Business
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Sarah Jones Lab
Croydon West
Context
For years, there have been calls for a proper plan to help the UK's steel industry decarbonise. Instead, the industry has faced crises, and now the Government is spending £500 million in a deal that will make thousands of Port Talbot steelworkers redundant.
For years people have been calling on the Government to have a proper plan to help our steel industry decarbonise. Instead, the industry has lurched from crisis to crisis, and now the Government are spending £500 million in a deal that will make thousands of Port Talbot steelworkers redundant. Is it not the simple truth that jobs and wealth will be lost because there is no comprehensive plan for steel, automotive or any industry that needs to decarbonise?
I refer the hon. Lady to my previous comments. The investment will provide long-term security for at least 5,000 steel jobs. We have had record investment of £4 billion in the auto industry this year. Again, I urge her to look at her own party's plans. Its industry decarbonisation plans are disastrous, and will push jobs and investment out of this country.
Assessment & feedback
Acknowledge whether there is a comprehensive plan for industries like steel and automotive that need to decarbonise
Again, I Urge Her To Look At Her Own Party'S Plans
Response accuracy