Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Energy Mix

Wednesday 31 January 2024 · 6 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 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The UK Government supports the oil and gas industry and renewable energy production in Wales, including floating offshore wind projects in the Celtic Sea.
  • The Minister disagreed with Labour's assessment of the current government's record on net zero emissions, noting the significant support provided to mitigate energy bills.
  • The UK Government is supporting the FLOWMIS port infrastructure scheme through contracts for difference and other initiatives to advance floating wind projects.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Anna McMorrin Lab Cardiff North
Wales Energy
Context

The MP asks about discussions regarding the adequacy of the UK's energy mix, specifically focusing on Wales.

Question

What recent discussions has the Minister had with Cabinet colleagues on the adequacy of the energy mix in Wales?

Answer from Fay Jones

The UK has a secure and diverse energy system, and Wales continues to play a key role. The UK Government are going further to ensure our energy security by supporting our oil and gas industry, and investing to scale up our renewable energy production, such as floating offshore wind in the Celtic sea.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific discussions on adequacy of energy mix in Wales

How: Broad Statements, General Principles

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Q2 Stephen Doughty Labour (Co-op) Cardiff South and Penarth
Wales Energy
Context

The MP references the lack of new nuclear projects delivered in Wales despite its history of generation, citing significant opportunities to lower energy bills, deliver high-quality jobs, and reduce carbon emissions.

Question

Where is the Government's plan for delivering new nuclear projects in Wales, given their proud history of generation and significant opportunities?

Answer from Fay Jones

I very much welcome the hon. Gentleman mentioning nuclear. I seem to recall that, when his party was in power, Labour did next to nothing to advance the cause of nuclear energy in this country. It gives me ample opportunity to pay tribute to the work of my hon. Friend the Member for Ynys Môn (Virginia Crosbie), who has committed the Government to everything we have done on Wylfa so far. Progress is being made, in stark contrast to the record of his party.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific plan and timeline for nuclear projects in Wales

How: Criticizing Opposition, Broad Statements

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Q3 Anna McMorrin Lab Cardiff North
Climate Energy
Context

The MP criticizes the Government for backsliding on climate commitments, stating that families are paying treble for their energy bills due to new oil and gas licenses.

Question

With this Government backing new oil and gas licences, what does the Minister say to families in Cardiff North who now pay treble for their energy bills?

Answer from Fay Jones

I would point out that it is this Government who stepped in with £96 billion of support to mitigate the impact of those energy bills. I completely disagree with the hon. Lady's assessment of our record on net zero, and I would point out that, when her party was in power, 7% of our energy supply came from renewable sources.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific impacts on families due to oil and gas licenses

How: Criticizing Opposition, Broad Statements

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Q4 Stephen Crabb Con
Wales Energy
Context

The MP asks about progress on the Floating Offshore Wind Manufacturing Infrastructure Scheme (FLOWMIS) bids from Milford Haven and Port Talbot.

Question

When can the ports expect to hear back about their bids for the FLOWMIS port infrastructure scheme?

Answer from Fay Jones

I thank my right hon. Friend, the Chair of the Select Committee, for that question. I am delighted that today the Crown Estate is hosting a bidders day to drive forward plans for innovative floating wind projects in the Celtic sea. The UK Government are supporting FLOW through our contracts for difference scheme, securing a long-term pipeline of projects in the Celtic sea. I would be happy to write to him with a further update on when more progress can be discussed.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q5 Jo Stevens Lab Cardiff East
Employment Energy
Context

The MP discusses the loss of 3,000 jobs at Tata Steel and its impact on renewable energy aspirations, such as offshore wind projects.

Question

Does the Secretary of State agree with comments made by the Business Secretary that job losses are not a concern?

Answer from Fay Jones

I am sorry that the hon. Lady has me replying to that question, not the Secretary of State. It is important to recognise that the investment from this UK Government has saved thousands of jobs across the United Kingdom. Of course, the transition board is now working with the individuals affected in Port Talbot, which is the proper and right thing to do.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific disagreement or agreement on Business Secretary's statement

How: Referring To Another Authority, Broad Statements

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Q6 Jo Stevens Lab Cardiff East
Economy Employment Business & Trade
Context

The MP criticizes the Government's failure to protect jobs and vital industries, asking about the source of steel for wind turbines when furnaces are shut down early.

Question

Where will the UK get steel from if the Government's intervention shuts blast furnaces early?

Answer from Fay Jones

Mr Speaker, it will not surprise you to learn that I completely disagree with the hon. Lady's assessment. I would point out that this Government have provided the transition board with £80 million. We have not seen any of the £20 million that the Welsh Labour Government have promised.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific sourcing and availability of steel for renewable projects

How: Criticizing Opposition, Broad Statements

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