House of Commons · Westminster Hall
11 July 2023 · 0 other contributors · 4,080 words
Opened by Peter Aldous Con Waveney
Responding minister: Graham Stuart
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Peter Aldous raised concerns about renewable energy in the east of england in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The government needs to adopt a more strategic approach, work with business, councils, and universities, provide necessary resources for delivery, and implement measures such as increasing the contracts for difference budget and introducing permanent investment allowances for clean energy generators.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The east of England is leading in renewable energy, with East Anglia's portfolio powering 32% of UK homes last year. By 2035, this could rise to 90%. However, the scale of planned development requires a strategic approach from the Government, which includes infrastructure challenges and ensuring local businesses are part of supply chains. There is also concern about investment falling off after 2032 in offshore wind projects.
Government Response
Graham StuartIt is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Twigg, and to conclude this debate. The Government recognises the importance of offshore wind and other renewables in delivering secure, domestically generated energy and boosting economic growth. We have cut emissions by more than any other major economy since 1990 and have nearly halved coal usage in power production over the past decade, with a target of zero coal electricity next year. The Government's Energy Bill aims to accelerate offshore wind farm deployment, reduce planning times, and reform environmental regulations while protecting marine environments. We are developing partnerships for communities hosting new onshore wind infrastructure in return for lower energy bills and consulting on guidance for community benefits from transmission network infrastructure. We aim to halve the timeline for delivering new electricity transmission infrastructure through the appointment of Nick Winser as electricity networks commissioner. Concerns about proposed infrastructure in East Anglia are being addressed by working closely with developers, operators, and National Grid ESO to minimise impacts and ensure timely delivery. The holistic network design sets out a blueprint for connecting offshore wind projects to the grid, allowing opportunities to co-ordinate infrastructure while balancing environmental, community, cost, and deliverability factors. We remain focused on delivering net zero through strategic planning, coordination, minimisation of impacts, and good design principles.