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Renewable Energy: Cornwall

22 October 2024

Lead MP

Jayne Kirkham
Truro and Falmouth
Lab Co-op

Responding Minister

Kerry McCarthy

Tags

Climate
Word Count: 4487
Other Contributors: 5

At a Glance

Jayne Kirkham raised concerns about renewable energy: cornwall in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key Requests to Government:

I urge the Government to provide more investment, ambition, and long-term strategy for renewable energy development in Cornwall. This includes streamlining planning processes, upgrading transmission and distribution networks, implementing a coherent national plan for ports, and fostering education and training programs to address skills gaps.

How the Debate Unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:

Lead Contributor

Jayne Kirkham Lab Co-op
Truro and Falmouth
Opened the debate
I am concerned about the current state of renewable energy development in Cornwall. Only one onshore wind turbine planning application has been successful since January 2015, despite the sector's potential. The lack of funding for urban community energy projects after 2022 is also a significant issue. Moreover, there are major challenges in scaling up floating offshore wind and addressing skills shortages. The grid network constraints and delays in accessing grid connections further hinder growth.

Government Response

Kerry McCarthy
Government Response
It is a pleasure to see Valerie Vaz in the Chair. I thank Jayne Kirkham for securing this debate and acknowledge the contributions of other Members. The passion for Cornwall's potential is evident, with all six MPs being strong advocates. A letter from Labour MPs in Cornwall highlights the need for investment, which will be discussed soon with the Minister for Industry. One of the Prime Minister's missions is to make Britain a clean energy superpower by delivering clean power by 2030 and accelerating towards net zero. Within the first 100 days, we lifted the onshore wind ban in England, consented to more solar projects than had been done in 14 years, and delivered the most successful renewables auction. We are setting up Great British Energy to drive clean energy deployment. Cornwall's role in this is vital due to its industrial heritage and potential for wind, geothermal, lithium and other minerals. Critical mineral deposits, such as lithium, can meet more than half of UK demand by 2030. The UK Infrastructure Bank invested £24 million in Cornish Lithium to support the critical minerals supply chain. Floating offshore wind is an exciting area with potential for 97,000 jobs and a £47 billion contribution to the economy. Leasing round 5 includes a £10 million supply chain accelerator fund focused on capturing economic opportunities in the Celtic sea. The UK Infrastructure Bank is becoming a national wealth fund capitalised with £27.8 billion, focusing on priority sectors including ports infrastructure. A Green Paper was published outlining our vision for a modern industrial strategy called Invest 2035, aiming to create a pro-business environment and support high-potential clusters. We are looking at reindustrialisation in Cornwall, where planning blockages need to be addressed along with grid infrastructure improvements. Skills are crucial, and ongoing engagement is needed. Collaboration across Departments will unlock Cornwall's potential for clean energy.
Assessment & feedback
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About Westminster Hall Debates

Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.