Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Support for the Energy Industry

Wednesday 28 June 2023 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Scotland's energy industry is vital to supporting the UK's energy security.
  • Low-carbon hydrogen is critical to delivering energy security and growth, with UK ambition doubled to 10 GW of low-carbon hydrogen production capacity by 2030.
  • Transmission network charging is a matter for Ofgem, which is an independent regulator that recently produced a report on charging reforms.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alexander Stafford
Scotland Energy
Context

The MP asks about recent discussions with Cabinet colleagues regarding support for the Scottish energy sector, prompted by the need to encourage investment and address local industry concerns.

Question

What recent discussions has the government had with Cabinet colleagues on support for the energy industry in Scotland?

Answer from Alister Jack

Scotland's energy industry is vital to supporting the UK's energy security. This Government have listened to Scotland's energy industry, and we understand the need to encourage industry investment. That is why we recently announced the energy security investment mechanism, which will remove the energy profits levy if oil and gas prices fall to normal levels for a sustained period prior to March 2028.

Answered
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Q2 Alexander Stafford
Climate Energy
Context

The MP follows up by focusing on the role of hydrogen in meeting UK energy needs and net zero targets, seeking clarity on specific government actions to promote its development in Scotland.

Question

It is great to hear a cheer for the Secretary of State as he stood up. I am sure he agrees that hydrogen production will be vital to meeting both the UK's energy needs and our net zero targets. Will he set out what the UK Government are doing to promote the development and production of hydrogen in Scotland?

Answer from Alister Jack

Low-carbon hydrogen is critical to delivering energy security. It presents a significant growth opportunity and will help the UK to reach net zero. We have doubled our ambition to 10 GW of low-carbon hydrogen production capacity by 2030, and at least half of it will come from electrolytic hydrogen, drawing on the scale up of UK offshore wind, other renewables and, of course, new nuclear.

Answered
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Q3 Steve McCabe Lab
Scotland Energy
Context

The MP raises concerns about national grid transmission problems leading to wind turbines being shut off due to the inability to transport generated electricity to southern parts of the UK.

Question

Will the discussions with the Scottish Government also include the problems with national grid transmission, which means National Grid is paying to turn off wind turbines because it cannot afford to get the electricity they generate to the south of the country?

Answer from Alister Jack

By law, transmission network charging is a matter for Ofgem, which is an independent regulator. It has recently produced a report on charging reforms, and the Government are looking at that report.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific issue of discussions with Scottish Government about national grid transmission problems was not addressed, only referring to Ofgem's role and recent reports.

How: By Law, Independent Regulator

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