Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Community Energy Schemes

Tuesday 28 November 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 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government created a new 10 million community energy fund to support projects in England.
  • No specific solutions or timelines are provided for legislative barriers yet.
  • Minister accepted a meeting to discuss combining community energy schemes with farmers in rural areas.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Patrick Grady SNP
Energy Environment
Context

The development of community energy schemes faces challenges including lengthy processes and legislative barriers.

Question

What steps her Department is taking to support the development of community energy schemes? Does the Minister recognise the frustration and disappointment at the length of time and legislative barriers for campaigning groups who want these schemes to progress?

Answer from Andrew Bowie

The Government have created a new £10 million community energy fund to support projects in England. We are working with the sector on content and timetable for consultation on barriers, but no specific solutions or timelines are provided yet.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions or commitments regarding legislative barriers were not addressed.

How: Working With Organisations To Take A View When It Responds

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Q2 Patrick Grady SNP
Energy
Context

Campaigning community groups face frustrations and disappointment due to lengthy processes and barriers.

Question

Does the Minister recognise the frustration and disappointment at the length of time and legislative barriers for campaigning groups who want these schemes? It is the most secure way of generating electricity, so why are they denying consumers this choice?

Answer from Andrew Bowie

Far from denying consumers opportunity, we are already beginning to work with organisations such as the Community Energy Contact Group. On content of consultation, a view will be taken when it responds.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions or timelines for addressing legislative barriers were not provided.

How: Working With Organisations, Need To Take A View

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Q3 Mark Pritchard Con The Wrekin
Energy Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Solar taskforce initiatives have overlooked farm buildings as potential sites for solar installations.

Question

Will my hon. Friend liaise with colleagues and the National Farmers Union on combining community energy schemes with farmers in rural areas? Why does the solar taskforce mention supermarket rooftops but not farm buildings?

Answer from Andrew Bowie

I hear very much what my right hon. Friend says and understand his concerns. I accept a meeting on behalf of the Minister to discuss these issues moving forward.

Answered
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