Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

National Grid: Energy Mix

Tuesday 12 November 2024 · 5 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 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government regularly meets stakeholders to discuss energy infrastructure development.
  • No change to the 2030 target for net zero, with support for nuclear power and investment in long-duration energy storage.
  • Ofgem's decision on the Nautilus interconnector is independent of Government, which has launched a strategic spatial energy plan for holistic planning.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Andrew Murrison Con South West Wiltshire
Climate Energy
Context

The MP inquired about recent discussions with National Grid regarding the diversification of energy sources.

Question

Whether he has had recent discussions with National Grid on diversifying the energy mix of its network. Last week, the Government received advice from the National Energy System Operator outlining its advice on the pathway towards clean power by 2030. Later this year we will publish our 2030 action plan, which will set out details on the future of our energy mix.

Answer from Michael Shanks

The Government regularly meet stakeholders to discuss the development of our energy infrastructure. Last week, we received advice from the National Energy System Operator on the pathway towards clean power by 2030. We will publish a 2030 action plan later this year detailing future energy mix plans.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific discussions with National Grid and details about diversification were not provided.

How: General Statement

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Q2 Andrew Murrison Con South West Wiltshire
Climate Energy
Context

The MP questioned the government's net-zero timetable in light of a recent US election, focusing on energy security and grid independence.

Question

Offshore wind has been positive for our energy security but not when there is no wind. Given the new US President's stance, what revision does the Minister anticipate to his timetable towards net zero? The right hon. Gentleman raises a good point about what happens when the wind does not blow and the sun does not shine, and about ensuring we have a mix in our energy system. That is why we remain supportive of nuclear and why we have recently announced investment in long-duration energy storage.

Answer from Michael Shanks

There is no change to our timetable on delivering the 2030 target. We remain supportive of nuclear power and have announced investment in long-duration energy storage to address energy supply issues during low-wind periods.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific revisions to the net-zero timetable were not addressed.

How: Hedging

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Q3 Jenny Riddell-Carpenter Lab Suffolk Coastal
Energy
Context

The MP expressed disappointment with Ofgem's decision to locate an interconnector at the Isle of Grain instead of the Suffolk coast, citing consultations and brownfield sites. She requested a meeting with the Minister.

Question

I was delighted by Ofgem's announcement this morning that it now recommends that the proposed Nautilus interconnector should be located at the Isle of Grain, not on the Suffolk coast. Will the Minister meet me to discuss other National Grid projects in my constituency?

Answer from Michael Shanks

Ofgem's decisions are independent of Government. We have launched a strategic spatial energy plan to ensure holistic planning across the UK, taking into account various schemes like those mentioned by the hon. Member for Suffolk Coastal.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Details about meeting with the MP were not provided.

How: Deflection

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Q4 Nick Timothy Con West Suffolk
Foreign Affairs Energy Business & Trade
Context

The MP questioned potential national security risks associated with foreign investments in offshore wind turbines, particularly Ming Yang Smart Energy's plans to build a plant in Scotland.

Question

China's largest offshore floating wind turbine company, Ming Yang Smart Energy, plans to build its first manufacturing plant outside China in Scotland. Given the serious questions about energy security and national security, will the Minister rule out allowing any turbines that might be controlled by hostile states?

Answer from Michael Shanks

We encourage investment in UK infrastructure. We have announced a clean industry bonus to support companies building supply chains here. We take national security seriously and follow processes for any company wishing to invest in the UK.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific ruling out of turbines controlled by hostile states was not provided.

How: General Statement

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Q5 Polly Billington Lab East Thanet
Climate Energy Business & Trade
Context

The MP celebrated a £1 billion offshore wind investment announcement and asked the Minister to meet her to discuss infrastructure requirements for connecting clean energy to homes, specifically mentioning the Sea Link project.

Question

Will you and the Minister give the House an opportunity to celebrate the £1 billion of investment announced today in offshore wind? It will provide jobs as promised. Will the Minister meet me to discuss infrastructure required to connect that clean, secure energy to our homes, particularly the Sea Link project?

Answer from Michael Shanks

My hon. Friend highlighted a £1 billion investment by ScottishPower in UK infrastructure, building on our industrial strategy that delivers jobs and skills. My hon. Friend the Minister for Industry is working on this at the moment.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details about meeting to discuss Sea Link project were not provided.

How: Deflection

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