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Green Energy: Ports — [Judith Cummins in the Chair]
18 October 2023
Lead MP
Stephen Crabb
Preseli Pembrokeshire
Con
Responding Minister
Graham Stuart
Tags
TaxationTransportClimateNorthern IrelandEnergyBusiness & Trade
Word Count: 13057
Other Contributors: 13
At a Glance
Stephen Crabb raised concerns about green energy: ports — [judith cummins in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Mr. Crabb asks the Government to visit Milford Haven to understand its potential for floating offshore wind projects and decarbonization efforts. He also requests support for the port's application for FLOWMIS funding, which is essential for unlocking strategic investment in port infrastructure. Additionally, he seeks aligned leadership between the Crown Estate and UK government on integration ports and collaboration with local supply chains.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Mr. Crabb is concerned about the need for new infrastructure investment in ports to meet ambitious energy targets and address economic inequalities in port communities. He highlighted that without a thriving port sector, it will be difficult to protect energy security and renew the energy system towards net zero. The port of Milford Haven, for example, has seen significant activity but still faces challenges in transitioning to renewable energy sources while maintaining existing industries.
Daniel Poulter
Con
St Albans
Felixstowe port, with almost 50% of the UK's container trade, requires strategic investment to decarbonise and improve freight rail capacity through upgrades like Ely junction.
David Duguid
Con
South Northumberland
Peterhead and St Fergus gas terminal are sites of the Acorn carbon capture and storage project which will have import capability for exporters of carbon dioxide from other constituencies.
Douglas Chapman
SNP
Dunfermline and West Fife
Emphasised Scotland's commitment to green ports centred on net zero, renewable technology development, high-quality jobs, and fair work practices. Highlighted the Forth green port project aiming for £6 billion investment and 50,000 jobs. Also mentioned campaigning for reinstating a ferry connection from Rosyth to mainland Europe to boost connectivity and trade prospects. The Minister noted skills, training issues but also emphasised the importance of ports for exports and ferry services. He committed to contacting colleagues at border control to ensure the success of ferry service.
Douglas Ross
Con
Dundee East
Mr Ross discussed the importance of Buckie's history as a fishing harbour and its selection for the Moray West offshore wind farm project, which will bring 60 highly skilled jobs to the community. He highlighted the long-term impact on local employment and infrastructure. Additionally, he mentioned meetings with Offshore Energies UK about opportunities for Scottish ports in green energy and freeport initiatives. Mr Ross welcomed the announcement of two freeports in Scotland and noted their potential to 'level up' areas with declining populations. Asked the hon. Member about the Scottish Greens' lack of support for Scotland's two freeports despite their positive stance.
Gavin Newlands
SNP
Paisley and Renfrewshire North
Mr. Newlands intervened to support upgrades at junctions that would help decarbonisation efforts.
Jeff Smith
Lab
Manchester Withington
Ports play a key role in decarbonising energy generation, transport and industry by acting as bases for offshore wind and the skilled workforce necessary. However, there are no port facilities currently fit for mass deployment of floating offshore wind. Investment is needed to upgrade ports to manufacture and assemble components required for these turbines.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
I have always believed in net zero and green energy, despite some reservations within my party. Northern Ireland has five ports and three fishing ports, with scope to make them greener through electrification and adoption of future fuels like hydrogen or ammonia. Shell's hydrogen hub and Aberdeen port's actions are examples that could be replicated.
Judith Cummins
Lab
Bradford South
Order. Before I call the next speaker, may I gently ask Members to make contributions of about four minutes so that we can get everybody in?
Martin Vickers
Con
Brigg and Immingham
The Humber region, with ports such as Immingham, Grimsby, Hull, and Goole, is a critical part of the UK's energy supply chain. These ports handle significant cargo volumes and are developing projects for carbon capture, hydrogen production, and offshore wind manufacturing. The Humber freeport aims to accelerate renewable energy growth in the region with 40 GW of clean electricity planned by 2030.
Lowestoft port, part of ABP's fleet, has ongoing projects such as a direct air carbon capture demonstrator site and plays a crucial role in delivering materials to the Sizewell C nuclear power station. However, challenges like global green investment competition need addressing, including reviewing the contracts for difference mechanism and prioritising offshore wind ports in national policy statements. Requested more detail on the Government's response to proposals by offshore wind champion Tim Pick regarding obstacles in achieving industry potential, particularly concerning ports.
The port of Southampton is committed to decarbonisation with electric vehicles, solar panels at the new cruise terminal, and hydro-treated vegetable oil for straddle cranes. The Solent cluster led by ExxonMobil aims to create hydrogen manufacturing while capturing carbon emissions by 2030.
Stephen Kinnock
Lab
Aberavon Maesteg
Britain's ports are crucial for economic activity and employ over 100,000 people directly. Floating offshore wind offers a significant opportunity in Wales, with the potential to deliver 16,000 jobs and £1.7 billion investment. Key needs include certainty on port infrastructure development, securing fair funding share for Welsh ports, and ensuring local supply chain commitments are met. I expressed concern about the grid capacity issue and its impact on developers' thinking regarding floating offshore wind infrastructure.
Tim Loughton
Con
East Worthing and Shoreham
Shoreham harbour, the closest cross-channel harbour to London, is becoming a hydrogen hub with solar panels, wind turbines, and carbon capture by seaweed through the Sussex bay kelp project.
Government Response
Graham Stuart
Government Response
It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mrs Cummins. I begin by thanking and congratulating my right hon. Friend the Member for Preseli Pembrokeshire on securing this important debate. The minister highlighted that less than 7% of electricity came from renewables in 2010, while nearly half comes from renewables today due to the Conservative Government's efforts. Ports are vital for unlocking the green revolution and economic regeneration in previously carbon-dependent areas. He mentioned the success of south Wales as an energy exporter with LNG terminals contributing significantly to Europe's energy security. The minister emphasised the importance of the Crown Estate working closely with Departments to ensure binding commitments on ports, skills enhancement, environmental impacts and community benefits for offshore wind projects.
The minister discussed the £40 billion economic opportunity from floating offshore wind by 2050, creating around 30,000 jobs. He also addressed challenges in infrastructure development, mentioning the Winser review on transmission to speed up infrastructure implementation. The Government recognise the critical role of ports for green energy ambitions and are working closely with industry to assess supply chain needs and identify opportunities for UK leadership and export growth. Ports will play a key role for carbon capture and storage as well as hydrogen transport infrastructure.
The minister highlighted ongoing work through the Offshore Wind Industry Council, aiming to support UK supply chain development and maximise domestic industrial heft from offshore wind deployment. He acknowledged Northern Ireland's 1 GW offshore wind target by 2030 and the projects in development there. The minister concluded by expressing willingness to visit Wales to understand local opportunities for contributing to climate change and delivering a prosperous future.
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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.