Key Facts

• The motion aims to delay consideration of clause 132 and related schedules.
• New clauses on Great British Nuclear and energy-intensive industry assistance have been tabled by the Government.
• There are four areas where new clauses have been introduced during the Bill's progress.
• Government's target is for 600,000 heat pumps by 2028.
• Climate Change Committee recommends 900,000 installations.
• Building regulations will set performance-based standards without mandating specific technologies.
• Amendment 118 is proposed in clause 115.
• It ensures that households have an alternative heating solution if they do not wish to participate in the hydrogen grid trial.
• Gas transporters are required to install other forms of low carbon heating for non-participating households.
• Clause 114 modifies the Gas Act 1986 to facilitate hydrogen grid conversion trials.
• The hydrogen heating trial will start by 2025.
• Powers of entry into private properties for essential works include replacing appliances, testing safety valves, and disconnecting gas supply.
• Consumer protections are established through two delegated powers given to the Secretary of State to make regulations.
• There are two village trials underway in Ellesmere Port and Redcar.
• One trial introduces a separate hydrogen main at a late stage, while the other uses existing gas mains for hydrogen delivery.
• The amendment addresses concerns about forced participation in trials and offers alternatives such as heat pumps or low-carbon gas heating.
• Caroline Nokes gives her vote to the Noes on an amendment proposed by Dr Whitehead.
• The new clause seeks to consult and establish a revised nuclear site licence regime for fusion energy facilities.
• The regime would not be subject to full safeguards associated with fissionable materials but must consider residual radioactivity.
• Clause 116 makes the UK the first country in the world to legislate for fusion energy.
• The Joint European Torus, the most powerful operational fusion device globally, is currently regulated under an existing framework since 1983.
• The site for STEP will be at West Burton in Nottinghamshire.
• The new clause proposes a consultation process to establish a revised nuclear site licence regime.
• It suggests that fusion energy should not be subject to the full range of safeguards associated with fissionable materials but must consider residual radioactivity.
• The aim is to provide appropriate and proportionate safeguards within the context of broader nuclear restrictions.
• Tritium is a hydrogen isotope with a natural half-life of 12 years.
• New clause 51 aims to regulate nuclear fusion facilities under fission regulations, which Fletcher argues are inappropriate due to differences in radioactivity levels and types.
• The Health and Safety Executive will monitor any workforce risks associated with potential commercial fusion energy solutions.
• Transport is the largest emitting sector of greenhouse gas emissions, producing 26% of the UK’s total emissions in 2021.
• The clause enables recycled carbon fuels produced from unrecyclable waste plastics or industrial waste gases to be treated as renewable for transport fuel obligations.
• Fuels derived from nuclear energy are also included and can deliver significant carbon savings over traditional fossil fuels.
• Clause 117 permits recycled carbon fuel to be treated as renewable.
• The renewable transport fuel obligation requires fuels to meet strict sustainability criteria.
• Recycled carbon fuels are produced from fossil waste that cannot be avoided, reused or recycled.
• Amendments 96 and 97 aim to give the ISOP oversight of distribution systems.
• New clause 37 proposes a supervisory and advisory board for the ISOP's independence assurance.
• Energy UK and the Energy Networks Association must be consulted on the board appointment.
• The current electricity transmission system loses around 6% of energy.
• A highly efficient cable system was visited, showing a 15% increase in efficiency.
• Amendments aim to add oversight of distribution systems in conjunction with licensed DNOs.
• New clause 37 suggests setting up an independent advisory board for the ISOP.
• Connections and connection timelines are the biggest challenge for electrification, economic growth, and reaching net zero goals.
• The Independent System Operator (ISOP) will help drive down connection timelines.
• An advisory board could hinder the independence of the ISOP.
• The aim is for the FSO/ISOP to be up and functioning by mid-next year after Royal Assent.