Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Clean Electricity Generation

Tuesday 8 October 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 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Community energy is critical for meeting the UK's 2030 ambitions for clean electricity generation.
  • Further announcements on carbon capture are expected in the coming weeks to secure jobs in the Humber region.
  • The current Government is moving at pace on the whole electricity system, including nuclear power, unlike the previous Government which made announcements without funding.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Abtisam Mohamed Lab Sheffield Central
Climate Energy
Context

The MP notes efforts to accelerate clean electricity generation.

Question

I commend the Secretary of State for his work in accelerating clean electricity generation. What steps has he taken to ensure that this Government encourage and take advantage of the significant opportunity around community energy?

Answer from Michael Shanks

Community energy is critical for meeting our 2030 ambitions, delivering energy security and lower bills. One of Great British Energy's five objectives is to support a local power plan which puts communities in charge. I am happy to meet the hon. Friend to discuss this further.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific meeting request was not directly addressed with a commitment or timeline

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Q2 Abtisam Mohamed Lab Sheffield Central
Energy
Context

The MP questions the government's stance on nuclear energy.

Question

Why are they so anti-nuclear and when will they get on with delivering nuclear energy?

Answer from Michael Shanks

While the previous Government made many announcements, there was poor delivery. In 14 years under Conservative government, no new nuclear power stations were built.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address future plans or policy towards nuclear energy

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Q3 Greg Smith Con Mid Buckinghamshire
Climate Energy
Context

The MP requests further progress on carbon capture projects.

Question

When will there be an announcement on track 1 extension of carbon capture and what information is available for track 2 to secure jobs in the Humber region?

Answer from Michael Shanks

The Government delivered the largest renewables auction and made announcements on carbon capture. Further announcements are expected in weeks ahead.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific timelines or details provided for track 1 extension or track 2 information

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Q4 Melanie Onn Lab Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes
Climate Energy
Context

The MP questions the appropriateness of artificial targets for electricity system.

Question

Does the Minister agree it would be better to have the right electricity system in 2032 or 2035 than an undeliverable target by 2030?

Answer from Michael Shanks

The previous Government's plans on onshore wind in England were not the right approach, which is why we lifted the onshore wind ban. We are now delivering climate action and an energy system fit for the future.

Not addressed: Did not address whether artificial targets are better avoided

How: Changing Subject To Previous Government'S Record

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Q5 Graham Stuart Con Beverley and Holderness
Energy
Context

The MP questions the pace of nuclear energy investment.

Question

Does the target to get to 24 GW of nuclear power by 2050 remain?

Answer from Michael Shanks

The Conservative Government made announcements without funding. We are moving at pace on the whole electricity system, including nuclear.

Not addressed: Did not confirm or deny the 24 GW target for 2050

How: Changing Subject To Criticism Of Previous Government

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Q6 Andrew Bowie Con West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine
Energy
Context

The MP is concerned about the pace of nuclear energy projects.

Question

When can we expect a final investment decision on Sizewell C? Will it still be this year?

Answer from Michael Shanks

The previous Government launched consultations without delivering. We are moving at pace and will deliver what the hon. Gentleman failed to do.

Not addressed: Did not provide a timeline or confirmation for Sizewell C FID

How: Changing Subject To Criticism Of Previous Government

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