Department for Energy Security & Net Zero

Securing our long-term energy supply, bringing down bills and halving inflation.



Secretary of State

 Portrait

Ed Miliband
Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero

Shadow Ministers / Spokeperson
Conservative
Claire Coutinho (Con - East Surrey)
Shadow Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero

Liberal Democrat
Pippa Heylings (LD - South Cambridgeshire)
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Energy Security and Net Zero)
Junior Shadow Ministers / Deputy Spokesperson
Conservative
Andrew Bowie (Con - West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine)
Shadow Minister (Energy Security and Net Zero)
Lord Offord of Garvel (Con - Life peer)
Shadow Minister (Energy Security and Net Zero)
Ministers of State
Sarah Jones (Lab - Croydon West)
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Lord Hunt of Kings Heath (Lab - Life peer)
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Parliamentary Under-Secretaries of State
Kerry McCarthy (Lab - Bristol East)
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Michael Shanks (Lab - Rutherglen)
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Miatta Fahnbulleh (LAB - Peckham)
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
There are no upcoming events identified
Debates
Wednesday 29th January 2025
Select Committee Docs
None available
Select Committee Inquiry
None available
Written Answers
Wednesday 29th January 2025
British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues …
Secondary Legislation
Wednesday 15th January 2025
Electricity (Individual Exemption from the Requirement for a Transmission Licence) (Dogger Bank A) Order 2025
This Order grants exemption from the requirement to hold an electricity transmission licence.
Bills
Thursday 25th July 2024
Great British Energy Bill 2024-26
A Bill to make provision about Great British Energy.
Dept. Publications
Wednesday 29th January 2025
17:16

Department for Energy Security & Net Zero Commons Appearances

Oral Answers to Questions is a regularly scheduled appearance where the Secretary of State and junior minister will answer at the Dispatch Box questions from backbench MPs

Other Commons Chamber appearances can be:
  • Urgent Questions where the Speaker has selected a question to which a Minister must reply that day
  • Adjornment Debates a 30 minute debate attended by a Minister that concludes the day in Parliament.
  • Oral Statements informing the Commons of a significant development, where backbench MP's can then question the Minister making the statement.

Westminster Hall debates are performed in response to backbench MPs or e-petitions asking for a Minister to address a detailed issue

Written Statements are made when a current event is not sufficiently significant to require an Oral Statement, but the House is required to be informed.

Most Recent Commons Appearances by Category
Dec. 17
Oral Questions
Jan. 24
Written Statements
Jan. 16
Westminster Hall
Dec. 06
Adjournment Debate
View All Department for Energy Security & Net Zero Commons Contibutions

Bills currently before Parliament

Department for Energy Security & Net Zero does not have Bills currently before Parliament


Acts of Parliament created in the 2024 Parliament

Department for Energy Security & Net Zero has not passed any Acts during the 2024 Parliament

Department for Energy Security & Net Zero - Secondary Legislation

This Order grants exemption from the requirement to hold an electricity transmission licence.
The Electricity (Individual Exemption from the Requirement for a Transmission Licence) (Seagreen) (Scotland) Order 2024 granted an exemption to Seagreen Wind Energy Limited from the requirement to hold an electricity transmission licence in respect of Seagreen Offshore Windfarm. That Order provided for exemption until 7th February 2025. This Order extends the duration of that exemption until 31st March 2025.
View All Department for Energy Security & Net Zero Secondary Legislation

Petitions

e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.

If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.

If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).

Trending Petitions
Petition Open
30,299 Signatures
(1,515 in the last 7 days)
Petition Open
22,364 Signatures
(222 in the last 7 days)
Petitions with most signatures
Petition Open
30,299 Signatures
(1,515 in the last 7 days)
Petition Open
22,364 Signatures
(222 in the last 7 days)
Department for Energy Security & Net Zero has not participated in any petition debates
View All Department for Energy Security & Net Zero Petitions

50 most recent Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department

21st Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, when she plans to meet the trustees of the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme.

I met with the Chair and Trustee representatives of the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme (BCSSS) on 16 December where they outlined their proposals for changes to the Scheme. We will work with the BCSSS Trustees to consider their proposals once the new Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme arrangements have been agreed.

Sarah Jones
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
21st Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the release of the investment reserve of the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme to its trustees.

I met with the Chair and Trustee representatives of the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme (BCSSS) on 16 December where they outlined their proposals for changes to the Scheme. We will work with the BCSSS Trustees to consider their proposals once the new Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme arrangements have been agreed.

Sarah Jones
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
21st Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department offers protection to staff from unfair dismissal from their first working day.

All dismissals are handled in line with current legislation and appropriate Codes of Practice. Where an employee feels they may have been unfairly dismissed, appropriate internal appeal routes may be instigated.

Where an employee is unable to solve a problem internally they may be able to go to an employment tribunal to claim unfair dismissal, as set out in legislation.

This position will be reviewed when unfair dismissal rights are updated in line with the Employment Rights Bill when this comes into effect.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
21st Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether their Department offers its staff shared parental leave from their first working day.

To be eligible for shared parental leave in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, each parent must have at least 26 weeks continuous employment with their respective employer by the end of the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth or adoption matching date. They must also still be working for the same respective employer (for Civil Servants continuous service applies to other Civil Service employers) when they intend to take the leave.

Some employees could qualify for shared parental leave on their first day of service where they have built up qualifying service in another Civil Service organisation.

As with any changes to employment legislation, internal policies and processes will be updated as appropriate in preparation for when the Employment Rights Bill comes into effect.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
21st Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department offers paternity leave to its staff from their first working day.

To be eligible for 2 weeks paid paternity leave in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, an employee must have worked continuously for the Civil Service for at least 26 weeks by the 15th week before the baby is due, or for at least 26 weeks up to the week their spouse, civil partner or partner was matched with a child for adoption. Employees who have already completed continuous service in another Civil Service organisation at the point of joining the Department could qualify for paternity leave on their first day of service.

In addition to paternity leave, fathers, civil partners or partners have a statutory right to time off to attend up to two ante-natal or pre-adoption appointments from their first day of employment.

As with any changes to employment legislation, internal policies and processes will be updated as appropriate in preparation for when the Employment Rights Bill comes into effect.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
15th Jan 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath on 24 December 2024 (HL3494), what assessment they have made of the alignment between the United Kingdom’s Nationally Determined Contribution for 2030, which requires that emissions do not exceed around 260 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, and the existing legally binding framework set by the fifth carbon budget, which limits emissions for the period 2028 to 2032 to around 345 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per year.

The UK’s 2030 nationally determined contribution - to reduce economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions by at least 68% on 1990 levels – represents an increase in ambition on the UK’s fifth carbon budget, which covers the period 2028-2032. The UK will need to overachieve on the fifth carbon budget to meet the 2030 NDC and stay on track for the sixth carbon budget. In its advice to Government on the setting of the UK’s sixth carbon budget, the Climate Change Committee advised that it did not consider it necessary for Government to reset existing targets, and instead advised that once the 2030 NDC and sixth carbon budget were set on the path to net zero, that these would provide a clear target for UK emissions reductions.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
21st Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an assessment of the potential local ecological impact of the proposed Lime Down Solar Farm in South Cotswolds constituency.

The Lime Down Solar Farm is a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project which is expected to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for examination in the third quarter of 2025. As part of the examination process the Examining Authority appointed by the Planning Inspectorate will consider the potential local ecological impact of the proposal as one of its potential impacts. At the end of the examination process, the Examining Authority will submit its Report to the Secretary of State, who will make his decision based on a careful consideration of all the material planning considerations.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
21st Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many properties are not connected to the national (a) gas and (b) electricity grid in South Holland and The Deepings constituency.

The Department publishes estimates of the number of domestic properties not connected to the gas network in Great Britain by constituency. In 2023, an estimated 12,000 domestic properties (23%) in South Holland and The Deepings constituency were not connected to the gas network. Equivalent figures for the electricity network are not published.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
21st Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to reduce energy bills for businesses.

The Government believes that our mission to deliver clean power by 2030 is the best way to break our dependence on global fossil fuel markets and protect billpayers, including business consumers, permanently.

In the short term, the Government wants to provide businesses with better protection from being locked into expensive energy contracts and more redress when they have a complaint. We closed a consultation in November regarding the regulation of Third-Party Intermediaries (TPIs), such as energy brokers, aimed at enhancing consumer protections, particularly for non-domestic consumers. A government response will follow in due course once all feedback has been reviewed.

From 19 December 2024, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 50 employees can now access free support to resolve issues with their energy supplier through the Energy Ombudsman. This means that 99% of UK businesses can now access this service, with outcomes ranging up to £20,000 in financial awards.

The Government recognises that some businesses may be struggling to pay their bills. These businesses should contact their supplier to discuss their options, including ‘blend and extend’ contracts, where the higher unit rate is blended with a new lower rate, spreading the cost over the course of a long contract.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
21st Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the UK offshore oil and gas industry’s investment in renewable energy.

Making Britain a clean energy superpower is one of the five missions of this Government, and oil and gas companies will have an important role to play in the energy transition.

We have begun the biggest ever investment in offshore wind and are moving ahead with new industries including carbon capture and storage, and hydrogen which will attract further private investment. A number of integrated energy companies already invest across a range of clean energy technologies in the UK and elsewhere. The department does not provide a commentary on these investments.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
21st Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to help ensure Great British Energy creates jobs in industrial communities.

Through its investment and development activities, Great British Energy (GBE) will support companies to provide opportunities for high quality, well-paid work, in the projects the company supports, in supply chains and in local communities through the Local Power Plan. As an operationally independent company, GBE will choose the projects it supports across the UK. I am confident that the benefits will be felt in local and national economies, including our industrial heartlands. The decision to headquarter GBE in Aberdeen has already given confidence to industry, as Sarens PSG has announced the opening of a Centre of Excellence in Aberdeen that will train wind farm workers.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
21st Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he plans to extend the Warm Home Discount beyond 2026.

The current Warm Home Discount scheme period comes to an end in March 2026. Since the scheme began in 2011, over £4 billion has been provided in support to eligible households. The Warm Home Discount is expected to support over 3 million households in Great Britain over winter 2024/25, funded through a levy on all domestic gas and electricity customers. It remains an important support mechanism as energy bills remain high. We will consult later this year on the future of the scheme beyond 2026.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
21st Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to improve the energy efficiency of homes in rural areas.

The Government has committed £3.4 billion over the next 3 years towards heat decarbonisation and household energy efficiency. This includes £500 million of funding towards our new Warm Homes: Local Grant (WH:LG) which will provide support for low-income households living in privately owned EPC band D-G homes both on and off the gas grid in England. The WH:LG will be delivered from 2025 to 2028 by eligible local authorities.

Rural homes are also supported through current energy efficiency schemes including the Energy Company Obligation and Home Upgrade Grant.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
21st Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of installing solar panels on the roofs of (a) car parks, (b) warehouses (c) and council-owned buildings in Surrey.

The Government will assess the potential to drive the construction of solar canopies on outdoor carparks over a certain size through a call for evidence this year.

New standards will be introduced this year which will amend the energy efficiency standards in the Building Regulations in England. This will ensure all new homes and buildings, including warehouses and council-owned buildings, in England are zero-carbon ready.

Further details about how the Government will increase the deployment of solar panels will be set out in the forthcoming Solar Roadmap.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
21st Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what progress National Grid Electricity Transmission have made on (a) proposals to connect the transmission grid in north Wales to the south and (b) agreements with generators on connection contracts.

As a private transmission owner National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) develops project proposals in England and Wales where a transmission need is identified by the National Energy System Operator (NESO). In all proposals evidence demonstrating due consideration of alternative options is required. In this case proposals remain in early development.

NESO submitted proposals to Ofgem to reorder the connection queue, which would impact on generator connection agreements. Ofgem is expected to announce its decision in March.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
21st Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether proposals to temporarily close parts of St Anne’s beach to lay cables to connect the Morgan and Morecambe windfarm to its substations includes provisions to compensate affected business owners.

All relevant information on the Morgan and Morecambe transmission assets can be found on the appropriate project page of the Planning Inspectorate website. The developers set out their proposals for a contingency fund to address temporary business disruptions caused by necessary construction works in their Development Consent Order Application documents.[1]

[1] https://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/wp-content/ipc/uploads/projects/EN020032/EN020032-000632-D1.1_MMTA_Annex%201%20Morgan%20Offshore%20Wind%20Limited%20Property%20Cost%20Estimate.pdf

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
21st Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to the pause to the applications process for new entrants to the connections queue from 29 January 2025 announced by the National Energy Systems Operator on 15 January 2025, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of this decision on (a) data centre projects and (b) energy-intensive infrastructure projects.

The short pause on connection applications is a necessary, transitional step in delivering fundamental connections reforms that, if approved by Ofgem, could reduce the connections queue by up to half and will enable accelerated connections for many generation and demand projects. The pause does not apply to demand projects and therefore will not impact data centre or energy-intensive infrastructure projects.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
21st Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will ask the Office for National Statistics to make an assessment of the potential impact of the purchase of the Wylfa power station site by Great British Nuclear on the public sector classification of the borrowing for that nuclear programme.

Great British Nuclear purchased the Wylfa site in 2024, which is recorded as an asset on the Government's balance sheet. As part of its SMR competition, GBN is negotiating with four shortlisted companies, with final decisions to be taken in the spring. No decisions have yet been taken on projects or sites.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
23rd Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer of 23 January 2025 to Question 24699 on Electricity: Artificial Intelligence, what the value is of the contract awarded to European Economic Research Limited to analyse the future net energy demand of artificial intelligence.

This information will be made publicly available the usual way through the Department's annual report and accounts.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
20th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to ensure that UK renewable energy infrastructure is not widely owned by companies owned by foreign governments.

As an open economy, we welcome foreign trade and investment where it supports growth and jobs in the UK and meets our legal and regulatory requirements. We work closely with industry to build secure supply chains and back UK businesses. The government has also established Great British Energy to drive forward greater investment in clean, home-grown energy production and to build supply chains across the UK. Great British Energy will work with DESNZ, The Crown Estate and the National Wealth Fund to support domestic clean energy supply chains.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
23rd Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer of 23 January to Question 24699 on Electricity: Artificial Intelligence, if he will publish the terms of reference for European Economic Research Limited's analysis of the future net energy demand of artificial intelligence.

This project was awarded through an open tender process, which concluded in November. As part of this process, the terms of reference for the project were publicly disclosed. Once the tender closed and had been awarded to the European Economic Research Limited, we published a Contract Award Notice, (CAN) on the government Contracts Finder website.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
20th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent assessment he has made of the potential impact of UK Emissions Trading Scheme 's allowance allocation policy on (a) carbon leakage and (b) the offshoring of emissions.

The provision of Free Allocation under the UK ETS mitigates the risk of carbon leakage and associated offshoring of emissions by reducing industrial sectors’ exposure to the carbon price. The UK ETS Authority is reviewing Free Allocation policy to ensure it targets sectors most at risk of carbon leakage and is currently consulting on this topic, including alignment with the UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.

The Authority will assess how Free Allocation interacts with other policies to ensure a holistic approach to carbon leakage mitigation. An Impact Assessment will be published alongside the Government Response to the Free Allocation Review

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
20th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will release £2.3 billion in reserves from the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme to former scheme members; and what his planned timeline is for reducing the financial disparity between that scheme and the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme.

The Government is receptive to representations regarding the BCSSS. I recently met with the Trustees of the Scheme to discuss their proposals, and will be discussing the matter with the Treasury in due course.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
20th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the safety of interconnectors from (a) disruption and (b) sabotage.

The Department of Energy Security and Net Zero works closely with owners and operators of energy interconnectors to ensure their infrastructure is proportionately protected against a range of threats, including accidental damage or intentional sabotage. This includes working with industry to enhance the design of newbuild infrastructure and maintain the resilience of old infrastructure. We are also working to enhance the UK’s monitoring and detection capabilities, including by working with the Joint Maritime Security Centre to monitor activity around interconnectors, and strengthening information-sharing with our international partners.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
20th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department has made of the potential threat of hostile interference with offshore energy infrastructure since July 2024.

The Department of Energy Security and Net Zero is working both across Whitehall and with energy owners, operators and regulators to ensure that offshore energy infrastructure is protected against hazards and malicious threats. This includes working with the Joint Maritime Security Centre (JMSC) since the Nord Stream incidents of 2022. The JMSC provide Government with real-time monitoring capabilities around offshore infrastructure in UK waters. By increasing our maritime domain awareness, we have a more comprehensive understanding of threats to this type of infrastructure and can take the necessary measures to enhance its security.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
20th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer of 19 December 2024 to Question 20338 on Nuclear Power Stations: Migrant Workers, what his Department's definition is of critical systems for nuclear power plants.

DESNZ defines critical systems as any function (an aggregation of operational technology, information and specific areas within a civil nuclear installation) that is critical to preventing the theft or sabotage of nuclear material.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
20th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment (a) his Department, (b) its arms-length bodies and (c) planning authorities have made of the potential impact of grid-scale battery energy storage solution systems on the safety of nearby residential units.

Grid-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) are regulated by the Health and Safety Executive within a robust framework which requires BESS designers, installers, and operators to take the necessary measures to ensure health and safety throughout all stages of the system’s construction, operation, and decommissioning.

BESS projects are considered by the local planning regime in England. The government has updated planning practice guidance to encourage BESS developers to engage with local fire and rescue services, and for local planning authorities to refer to guidance published by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC). The NFCC’s current guidance proposes a minimum distance of 25 metres between BESS and occupied buildings.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
20th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what plans his Department has to mitigate the potential impact of (a) disruption to and (b) sabotage of interconnectors.

The Government takes the protection of subsea seriously and is working across Whitehall to ensure it is protected against hazards or malicious threats.

Great Britain has a highly resilient and diverse energy network. We are confident that the gas and electricity system operators have the tools they need to effectively balance supply and demand in a wide range of scenarios.

This includes ensuring robust plans are in place to mitigate the impacts of a gas or electricity disruption as far as possible, in the event that they occur.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
20th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Defence on preventing action by hostile actors on offshore infrastructure.

The Government takes the protection of subsea seriously and is working across Government to ensure it is protected against hazards or malicious threats. DESNZ has been working with the Joint Maritime Security Centre (JMSC) since the Nord Stream incidents of 2022, to enhance the security of subsea energy infrastructure. The JMSC is providing Government with real-time monitoring capabilities around UK offshore and subsea energy infrastructure.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
20th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what discussions he has had with international counterparts on the security of offshore energy infrastructure.

This Government takes the protection of offshore infrastructure seriously and is committed to working internationally to ensure it is protected against hazards or malicious threats. DESNZ is working closely with international partners on energy security and crisis management. This includes regular engagement with multilateral institutions such as NATO.

DESNZ continues to drive international initiatives, including the signing of the North Sea Joint Declaration of Cooperation and the formalisation of the North Sea Gas Security Group. Working through these partnerships support us to understand respective threats, share situational awareness and strengthen our collective response to incidents impacting shared infrastructure.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
20th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, which Minister is responsible for the security of offshore energy infrastructure including (a) interconnectors and (b) wind turbines.

Within DESNZ, I am responsible for the security of offshore energy infrastructure. DESNZ works closely with subsea and offshore owners, operators, regulators, and other stakeholders to ensure subsea and offshore energy infrastructure is proportionately protected against a range of threats. This includes working with industry to enhance the design of newbuild infrastructure, maintain the resilience of old infrastructure, and continue to develop the UK’s monitoring and detection capabilities. DESNZ has been working with the Joint Maritime Security Centre (JMSC) to enhance the security of subsea energy infrastructure.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
20th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he is taking steps with Cabinet colleagues to incentivise the owners of large (a) warehouse rooftops and (b) car parks to install solar panels.

The deployment of solar panels on commercial rooftops is central to our Clean Energy mission.

Permitted development rights allow most rooftop projects to be installed without requiring an application for planning permission. This includes non-domestic rooftop projects of any size, and solar canopies in off-street, non-domestic car parks.

New building standards will be introduced to ensure that all newly built commercial buildings are fit for a net zero future. We expect these standards to encourage the installation of solar panels on commercial roofs.

Further measures to incentivise installations on commercial rooftops remain under active consideration, including a call for evidence about increasing solar generation in car parks.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
20th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make it her policy to introduce Government-backed loans for (a) domestic, (b) community and (c) commercial rooftop solar panels.

As part of the Warm Homes Plan, the Government is considering the role that finance may play in supporting homeowners with the upfront costs of energy efficiency improvements, solar panels, and installing low carbon heating.

Permitted development rights afford flexibilities and planning freedoms to new solar installations, whether residential, community or commercial. The Government also provides fiscal incentives to encourage businesses to install rooftop solar, through tax relief and business rate exemptions.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
20th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how much grade (a) one and (b) two farm land has been replaced by ground mounted solar in England in the last five years.

Data on the land occupied by solar projects is contained in the Renewable Energy Planning Database (REPD). The Government does not currently categorise the data based on land type. However, work is underway to expand the REPD to include this feature.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
23rd Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer of 23 January 2025 to Question 24699 on Electricity: Artificial Intelligence, if he will publish the report by European Economic Research Limited on the future net energy demand of artificial intelligence when it has been received by his Department.

It is DESNZ policy to publish contracted technical work once it has been independently internally peer reviewed. We intend to similarly publish the report by European Economic Research Limited once it is completed in April.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
20th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of tariffs with night-time low electricity pricing for people with (a) electric vehicles and (b) solar panels.

The Government is supportive of electricity suppliers offering tariffs which enable consumers, including electric vehicle owners and those using solar panels, to consume energy at off peak times. This benefits all consumers by reducing the need for additional grid capacity.

More generally, we want to see the market offering new, innovative products and services that will help enable consumers to lower their bills, get a better service and support the transition to net zero. The setting of these tariffs is a commercial matter for suppliers.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
20th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to promote the awareness of energy-saving benefits through regular energy examinations for (a) businesses and (b) households.

Mandatory energy audits required under the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme provide large businesses with cost-effective ways to save energy and reduce bills. Our Business Energy Advice Service pilot in the West Midlands is also delivering subsidised energy assessments and grant funding for energy efficiency measures to SMEs in the region and we are currently considering options for support for SME decarbonisation across England.

For households, the Government offers a digital service ‘Find Ways to Save Energy in your Home’ (www.gov.uk/improve-energy-efficiency) which provides tailored recommendations for home improvements to increase energy efficiency and clean heat. This service is complimented by our Energy Efficient Home website which supports consumers with wider information on energy saving tips and further investment (including grant opportunities) for energy efficient measures.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
20th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of a national strategy to make properties built before 1920 more energy efficient.

The UK has the oldest housing stock in Europe and the government recognises that there is no “one-size-fits-all" approach to tackle the UK’s diverse building stock, and the need to ensure more historic buildings are able to achieve Net Zero. The Department commissioned research into complex to decarbonise homes and is currently considering the findings available at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/defining-and-identifying-complex-to-decarbonise-homes.

Our Warm Homes Plan will help people find ways to save money on energy bills and transform our ageing building stock. We have committed £3.4 billion over the next 3 years towards heat decarbonisation and household energy efficiency. Further details will be set out in due course.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
17th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will ensure that the investment reserve of the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme is transferred back to members.

The Government is receptive to representations regarding the BCSSS. I recently met with the Trustees of the Scheme to discuss their proposals, and will be discussing the matter with the Treasury in due course.

Sarah Jones
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
17th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department has made of the (a) adequacy of EV charging infrastructure in (i) rural and (ii) remote areas and (b) potential impact of that infrastructure on the phasing out of cars with internal combustion engines.

The Government is committed to accelerating the roll-out of charging infrastructure so that everyone, no matter where they live or work, can make the transition to an electric vehicle. As of 1st of January 2025, the Government and industry have supported the installation of over 73,334 publicly available charging devices (including 14,448 rapid charging devices).

The matter is devolved to the Scottish Government. In England, the Government is also delivering the £381 million Local EV Infrastructure Fund which supports local authorities to work with industry to significantly transform the availability of affordable public chargepoints across the country, including in rural and remote areas. At least 100,000 new public charging points are planned to be installed in England by local authorities under the fund.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
13th Jan 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure sufficient energy availability in the wake of increased artificial intelligence use.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has contracted European Economic Research Limited to analyse the future net energy demand of AI, with the project being due to be completed by April 2025. The National Electricity System Operator (NESO) is investigating the future power consumption of data centres, as well as grid constraints, lead times for developers, and how to improve connection processes.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
17th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what estimate his Department has made of the quantity in GWh of electricity imports there will be in each year until 2035.

Annex O of the Energy and Emission Projections presents Net Zero consistent scenarios for the power sector, including annual net imports. [1] (Gross imports and exports are not published). These scenarios indicate that the GB power sector will shift from being a net importer of electricity to a net exporter between 2030 and 2035.

[1] https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6463addee140700013b6e048/annex-o-annex-j-all-power-producer-generation.ods

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
20th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department plans to include updating circulator pumps in the Warm Homes Plan.

There are currently no plans to update Ecodesign regulations for circulator pumps. We are currently aligned with EU circulator regulations; however the Government will assess all new EU regulation on a case-by-case basis and will consider aligning where we see fit.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
14th Jan 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath on 7 January (HL3653), what future policies relating to reducing greenhouse gas emissions are (1) under consideration and (2) in development.

The Government will deliver an updated Carbon Budget Delivery that sets out the policy package out to the end of Carbon Budget 6 in 2037 for all the sectors, in due course. This will outline the policies and proposals needed to deliver carbon budgets 4-6 on a pathway to net zero.

Looking ahead, we will set Carbon Budget 7 by June 2026, in line with our statutory duties. This will set out the next phase of our pathway to net zero and policies to further decarbonise the UK economy.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
14th Jan 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath on 7 January (HL3653), what is the projected reduction in emissions from each of the future policies under consideration or in development; and what is the estimated total reduction in emissions as a result of these policies.

The Government will deliver an updated Carbon Budget Delivery that sets out the policy package out to the end of Carbon Budget 6 in 2037 for all the sectors, in due course. This will outline the policies and proposals needed to deliver carbon budgets 4-6 on a pathway to net zero.

Looking ahead, we will set Carbon Budget 7 by June 2026, in line with our statutory duties. This will set out the next phase of our pathway to net zero and policies to further decarbonise the UK economy.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
14th Jan 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government whether it remains their target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 68 per cent on 1990 levels by 2030, as set in the United Kingdom’s 2030 Nationally Determined Contribution.

The UK’s 2030 NDC target – to reduce economy wide greenhouse gas emissions by at least 68% on 1990 levels – is a fair and ambitious contribution to global action on climate change, in line with the Paris Agreement temperature goal, and remains in place.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
17th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what information (a) his Department and (b) the National Energy System Operator holds on the number of generation assets that provided (i) spare margin and (ii) reserve for peak electricity demand on Wednesday 8 January.

The National Energy System Operator (NESO) holds information required to balance the electricity network and are responsible for all operational actions required to maintain their electricity margin. Further information is available on the Elexon and NESO websites. As published in their winter outlook, NESO expect that supply margins will be adequate this winter, meaning that there is expected to be sufficient capacity to meet peak winter demand.

The Department of Energy Security and Net Zero has no role in these operational decisions but remains in close contact with NESO during periods of tight margins, like on Wednesday 8 January.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
17th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what information (a) his Department and (b) the National Energy System Operator holds on the number of number of generation assets that provided (i) spare margin and (ii) reserve for peak electricity demand on any day where a Capacity Market Notice was issued in the last 12 months.

The National Energy System Operator (NESO) holds information required to balance the electricity network and are responsible for all operational actions required to maintain their electricity margin. Further information is available on the Elexon and NESO websites. As published in their winter outlook, NESO expect that supply margins will be adequate this winter, meaning that there is expected to be sufficient capacity to meet peak winter demand.

The Department of Energy Security and Net Zero has no role in these operational decisions but remains in close contact with NESO during periods of tight margins, like on Wednesday 8 January.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
17th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, when the first board meeting of GB Energy will take place; and where it will take place.

Arrangements for Great British Energy’s first board meeting are currently being made. The meeting will take place at the company’s headquarters in Aberdeen.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)