Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many barrels of oil equivalent in oil and gas are estimated to be in the UK Continental Shelf that have not received any licence for development from the North Sea Transition Authority.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The most recent North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) report was published in October 2025 and is available on the NSTA’s website.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how much grant assistance has been paid from the public purse for heating pumps since July 2024.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Between July 2024 – March 2026, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme paid out 51,444 vouchers for heat pumps, to the cost of ~£386 million.

Other schemes delivered by the department, such as the Home Upgrade Grant (HUG), Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF), Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund and Local Grant (WH:SHF ; WH:LG) do not provide a breakdown of spend specific to heat pump subsidies alone, as they support a broader range of retrofit energy efficiency measures. However, the Government does publish data showing the average contribution costs for individual measures under these schemes, including for heat pumps.

[1] Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery (LAD) and Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) release statistics: November 2025

[2] Heat pump deployment statistics: September 2025

[3] Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund statistics: April 2026

[4] Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund statistics: April 2026

[5] Warm Homes: Local Grant statistics: April 2026

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to the Answer of 27 April 2026 to Question 128930 relating to Great British Energy staff numbers, how many people working for Great British Energy are employed as (a) permanent, (b) temporary and (c) contingent labour staff from other public sector roles.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

(a) There are currently 30 permanent staff assigned to Great British Energy (GBE).

(b) There are 37 temporarily assigned staff from the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero, with 21 staff on loan to GBE from other departments across government and 12 secondments from various government departments and external organisations

(c) There are 23 contingent staff assigned to GBE.

GBE has had its Workforce Pay Case agreed and we expect it to significantly ramp up recruitment of permanent roles over the next financial year.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to HCWS1468 on Offshore Wind Investment, if mitigations were considered before his department made the decision to not support investment.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

We cannot comment on the rationale behind individual investment cases including the various considerations in our due diligence, but investment into the energy sector is subject to the highest levels of national security scrutiny. We will continue to work closely with industry to build secure supply chains and ensure the UK remains one of the most attractive investment destinations in the world.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, that the consent based model for determining the location of GDFs for storing nuclear waste remains government policy.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government remains committed to delivering a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) as the long-term solution for the safe and secure management of the UK’s most hazardous radioactive waste. The process for identifying a suitable location for a GDF remains consent-based, requiring both suitable geology and a willing host community.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what (a) subsidies, (b) grants, (c) contracts for difference payments, and (d) other support mechanisms have been provided for renewable generation since 2010; and what the cumulative cost to taxpayers has been.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

For a breakdown of billpayer funding see:

1. Feed-in Tariffs Annual Report: Scheme Year 15 April 2024 to March 2025 - Ofgem
2. Economic and fiscal outlook – March 2026 - Office for Budget Responsibility

To note: These billpayer funded levy figures are not equivalent to net impacts on bill payers, as renewable deployment has also suppressed wholesale prices over this period.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what financial assistance his Department is providing to households who are unable to have a heat pump or heat battery, to ensure a fair transition to low carbon heating.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Department recently consulted on the role of alternative clean heating solutions for properties that may not be suitable for heat pumps or cannot connect to heat networks. Through this consultation, we sought evidence on the costs and barriers to uptake of alternative low‑carbon technologies. We are now considering responses and will publish our response in due course. For Scotland, this responsibility lies with the Scottish Government.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of including modern high heat storage heaters in the eligible technologies list.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Government is committed to ensuring that no one is left behind in the transition to Net Zero which is why the Warm Homes Plan supports a range of measures and technologies. Energy efficiency and fuel poverty are devolved matters, and Scotland has its own policies and programmes in these areas.

Additionally Government recently consulted on the role of alternative clean heating solutions for properties that may not be suitable for heat pumps or heat networks, including thermal energy storage systems – to ensure that every household has a suitable low-carbon option. The consultation closed on 10 February and a Government Response will be published in due course.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what financial assistance his Department is providing to households with no central heating to upgrade their old electric heating systems to new technologies such as modern high heat retention storage heaters.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Decarbonising heating in Scotland is largely devolved, allowing the Scottish Government to set its own policies and support schemes. Scottish households can access support through the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan scheme, including grants to replace old electric heaters with high heat retention storage heaters.

The Department has also consulted on alternative clean heating solutions, such as thermal energy storage, for properties across the UK that are unsuitable for heat pumps or heat networks. This sought evidence on costs and barriers to uptake. We are now considering responses and will publish our findings in due course.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will take steps to support councils and people to retrofit older housing stock to make it more carbon neutral.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Warm Homes Plan will deliver £15 billion to upgrade Britain’s old housing stock with solar panels, batteries, heat pumps and insulation to cut bills for good.

The Government is committed to working in partnership with local government to deliver the Plan through an area-based approach. This includes £5 billion directly allocated to low-income households to be delivered initially through the the Warm Homes: Local Grant (WH:LG) and Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund (WH:SHF).

The plan also includes an offer for everyone, with the new Warm Homes Fund to provide up to £5 billion in investments and consumer loans for the home upgrade sector, and an expanded Boiler Upgrade Scheme for all eligible households in England and Wales.

The new Warm Homes Agency will play a pivotal role in supporting local partnerships, convening, facilitating and supporting where necessary to build capacity within local government to help deliver the Plan.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether it is his intention for modern high heat retention storage heaters to meet the future requirements for achieving EPC C and if he will make a statement on the timelines for implementing the new Home Energy Model.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

In the Home Energy Model (HEM): Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) consultation, we proposed that electric heating with thermal storage – where its efficiency and use of off-peak electricity result in lower annual emissions than an equivalent direct electric system – would typically achieve a C rating or above. We are analysing consultation responses and will publish a Government Response by the end of the year. This consultation related to EPCs in England and Wales and the Scottish Government is developing its own policies for reformed EPCs.

HEM will be introduced as a methodology for demonstrating compliance with the English Future Home Standard (FHS) in the coming months and for EPCs in the second half of 2027.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what estimate he has made of the contribution of net zero-related costs to the retail price per litre of (a) petrol and (b) diesel.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

There are no dedicated Net Zero levies on petrol or diesel in the UK.

The cost of fuel is influenced by a range of factors. As oil is a globally traded commodity, disruptions or uncertainty in any region can influence prices in the UK until global markets stabilise.

Nonetheless, we have taken several measures to protect drivers. The Chancellor has frozen fuel duty since this Government came to office, extending the 5p fuel duty cut until September. We have also implemented Fuel Finder, which my Department’s analysis suggests could save households that own a car around £40 per year on average.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of introducing Contracts for Difference for heat networks on consumers.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

We welcome the proposal from the Heat Network Industry Council and we are assessing it in detail.

Heat networks are a key component of the Government’s strategy to deliver secure, affordable and low‑carbon heat, as set out in the Warm Homes Plan.

They enable the efficient distribution of heat from a central source to multiple buildings, and are particularly well suited to densely populated urban areas and locations with access to large-scale, low‑carbon or waste heat sources.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to deliver an Energy Resilience Strategy in conjunction with the National Energy System Operator.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero will publish an Energy Resilience Strategy in 2026, working closely with the National Energy System Operator, regulators, and partners across government and industry.

The Strategy will set out the Government’s strategic priorities for a secure and resilient energy system, now and in the future and how we will work with industry, the regulator and wider society to deliver that.

The National Energy System Operator will play a key role in delivering the strategy.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to invest in Geothermal energy.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

We know that to achieve net zero, we must look at how we can accelerate the potential of all low carbon technologies including geothermal.

The Government understands that geothermal can play a role in decarbonising heat particularly as a heat source for heat networks.

We provide support through the Green Heat Network Fund (GHNF) for the construction and expansion of low-carbon heat networks including those that utilise deep or shallow geothermal heat.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to ensure the transition away from fossil fuel heating involves low carbon solutions that suit the different types of UK housing stock.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government is committed to ensuring that all homes are able to benefit from the transition to low carbon heating. That’s why the Warm Homes Plan supports a range of measures and technologies to suit the variety of homes across the country.

Modern heat pumps can increasingly be used in homes previously considered unsuitable, often without the need to upgrade building fabric or radiators, and the expanded Boiler Upgrade Scheme provides grants for eligible households in England and Wales.

We are also making a strong solar offer through our low‑income schemes, and an offer for everyone with low and no interest loans. The Government is also making plug‑in solar panels available in the UK for the first time which could save many households up to £110 a year on energy bills.

We have consulted on alternative heating solutions to ensure every household has a suitable low‑carbon option. The consultation closed on 10 February and a Government Response will be issued in due course.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what analysis his Department has undertaken of the geographic suitability of locations in the UK for investment in geothermal energy; and what potential has been identified for such investment in (a) the UK, (b) the Midlands and (c) Broxtowe.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Department has undertaken analysis through the UK Geothermal Platform and the “UK Geothermal Energy Review and Cost Estimations” (2025). The Platform provides national mapping of geothermal suitability and supports early-stage investment decisions. The Review finds that geothermal can provide reliable, low carbon heat and power, but projects typically involve high upfront capital costs and outcomes vary depending on local geology. Across the UK, including the Midlands and Broxtowe, there is potential for investment; however, viability depends on site-specific conditions and detailed feasibility assessments.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to extend the length of time that wind turbines may remain in operation.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Extending the length of time that wind turbines remain in operation is a commercial decision for individual developers and can depend on factors such as maintenance of the asset, cost and planning considerations.

However, government are supporting applications to extend operational life in the planning system through giving significant weight to the benefits of utilising an established site, making updates to planning policy documents and publishing a training document for Local Planning Authorities.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the regulatory framework governing the non-domestic energy market; and whether he plans to extend the powers of Ofgem to provide additional protections for SMEs.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government and Ofgem continuously monitor the non-domestic energy market to ensure that good outcomes are being delivered for all consumers.

Recently, the Secretary of State and Ofgem’s Interim CEO wrote to non-domestic suppliers and Third-Party Intermediaries (TPIs) to set out their expectations on how consumers should be supported during the current energy price volatility.

The Government and Ofgem have collaborated to deliver a range of interventions in response to the findings of Ofgem’s non-domestic market review and the Government plans to directly regulate TPIs, by appointing Ofgem as regulator when parliamentary time allows. This will protect non-domestic consumers from exploitative and harmful practices employed by some TPIs.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what information his Department holds on the number of households using older direct electric heating and older storage heaters; and what assessment he has made of the potential merits of upgrading those households to modern high heat retention storage heaters.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Department does not hold information on the numbers of households using older direct electric heating and older storage heaters.

We recently consulted on the role of alternative clean heating solutions, including thermal energy storage systems such as storage heaters, for properties that may not be suitable for heat pumps or cannot connect to heat networks. Through this consultation, we sought evidence on the costs and barriers to uptake of alternative low‑carbon technologies. We are now considering responses and will publish our response in due course.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of moving households on old electric heating systems onto modern high heat retention storage heaters.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Department recently consulted on the role of alternative clean heating solutions for properties that may not be suitable for heat pumps or heat networks. Through this consultation, we sought evidence on the costs and barriers to uptake of alternative low‑carbon technologies including high heat retention storage heaters. We are now considering the evidence received and will publish the Government response in due course.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what estimate he has made of the cost of balancing payments, constraint payments and grid reinforcement associated with intermittent renewable generation.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Historical data on constraint and balancing costs is held and published by the National Energy System Operator (NESO). This data is disseminated primarily through NESO’s Annual Balancing Cost Report (with supporting data), which also includes projections of these costs out to 2035 under a range of scenarios.

Ofgem anticipates that over £70bn of investment in GB's electricity transmission networks may be required between 2026-2031 as part of their RIIO-ET3 price control (the third electricity transmission price control under their Revenues, Incentives, Innovation and Outputs framework). This investment is not only required to achieve the government's clean power target but is also essential to maintain a reliable electricity system and to deliver economic growth. This investment pays for itself over the period by enabling more low carbon energy onto the system and by reducing system constraints.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that decommissioned wind turbine blades are able to be recycled.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Turbines are largely made from non-hazardous materials such as steel and copper and around 85-90% of a turbine is recyclable. Industry is working to develop innovative ways of recycling or reusing the remaining percentage, such as by making cement.

The Government wants to expedite recycling research and has recently made grants available, including a £13 million funding round from the UKRI for “Research to advance UK recycling capabilities”, and is currently exploring wider enabling policy options to support the sector in embedding greater circularity throughout the lifecycle of wind assets.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department has made of the growth in the use of electricity supply licence exemptions by corporate energy consumers in the last five years.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government is aware of concerns around the use of electricity supply exemptions. There is ongoing engagement with stakeholders on supply exemption transactions, particularly Class A small supply exemptions that allows generators to supply up to 5MW of electricity to commercial customers. Based on this work the Government will take a view on whether further action is required.

In the interim, the Government recently published revised guidance on the Class A exemption, to ensure that it is being used correctly.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the implications of his policy on natural gas production between October 2025 and February 2026 on energy prices.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The 2025 North Sea Future Plan set out details of how the government will deliver on its commitment not to issue further oil and gas licences to explore new fields, whilst managing existing fields for their lifespan.

The North Sea is a naturally declining basin, and the price of oil and gas is determined by international markets. The best way to improve our resilience in the face of global instability is to increase our domestic supply of renewable energy.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of increasing the existing cap on fines for offshore oil and gas companies for breaches of environmental regulations.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government expects offshore oil and gas operators to meet the highest environmental standards and supports appropriate enforcement action where non-compliance occurs. A range of enforcement powers is already available in respect of breaches of offshore environmental requirements, including civil sanctions and, where appropriate, prosecution. The Government keeps the operation of the regulatory regime under review to ensure that it remains effective, proportionate and capable of protecting the marine environment. The priority is to ensure that the existing regime operates as an effective deterrent and secures compliance with relevant offshore environmental obligations.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what estimate he has made of the cost to households of environmental and social obligation policy costs included in (a) electricity and (b) gas bills in each of the last 10 years.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Policy costs on bills over the last 10 years have been published on Ofgem’s website: Ofgem’s Default Tariff Cap data (‘Final levelized cap rates model (Annex 9)’, tab: 1c Consumption adjusted levels, row 42). A key priority of the Government is to tackle Britain’s affordability crisis: the Government is acting to bring bills down now and over the long term through the transition to clean, home-grown power, and will continue to explore ways to both lower energy bills for consumers and reduce barriers for consumers to adopt clean technologies.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent assessment he has made of the impact of the Middle East conflict on energy security in the (a) Newcastle-under-Lyme constituency and (b) Staffordshire.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The UK benefits from a diverse and resilient fuel supply chain and remains well supplied across all fuel types, with strong and diverse sources of supply. Around 90% of crude oil refined in the UK is imported, and only a very small proportion, around 1%, comes from the Middle East. This significantly limits our exposure to regional disruption. We are also working closely with industry to monitor supply, demand, and market conditions to ensure continued stability.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to support the adoption of electrification across foundation industries.

Answered by Katie White - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government is committed to supporting electrification across industry by addressing key barriers and enabling investment. This is a crucial aspect of delivering clean power by 2030, decarbonising UK industry and securing its long- term competitiveness.

We are continuing to develop policies to bring down electricity costs relative to gas for the industrial sector and intend to consult on options to reduce costs and make low carbon heat the economically rational choice for a wider range of businesses. Stakeholders will have a voice in shaping future electrification policy.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent assessment he has made of the potential emissions reductions achievable by transitioning the Scunthorpe steelworks to electric arc furnace production.

Answered by Katie White - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

No recent assessment has been made of the potential emissions reductions achievable from transitioning the Scunthorpe steelworks to electric arc furnace production. However, British Steel stated in December 2023 that moving to electric arc furnaces could reduce the carbon intensity of its steelmaking operations by around 75 per cent. More broadly, as set out in the Steel Strategy, the Government sees electric arc furnaces as the most viable form of production as traditional blast furnaces reach the end of their operational life, and we continue towards our net zero ambitions.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of a delay in the implementation of reforms to the UK Emissions Trading Scheme treatment of Sustainable Aviation Fuel on sustainable aviation fuel producers.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The UK ETS Authority is consulting on the future treatment of SAF in the UK ETS, with this work progressing as planned. The Government recognises the importance of a cohesive SAF policy landscape across both demand and supply sides of the UK SAF market, including for SAF producers.

Any changes to the UK ETS treatment of SAF will take this, and consultation responses, into account. With the UK and EU in negotiations in pursuit of linking the UK ETS and EU ETS, the Authority will also need to consider any implications of ETS linking once negotiations have concluded.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to reduce the impact of energy bills on levels of personal debt.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The affordability crisis is the biggest issue facing families across the country. At the Autumn Budget we committed to taking money off energy bills to tackle the cost of living.

The Government is working closely with Ofgem, energy suppliers and consumer groups to develop a range of interventions to reduce energy debt and ensure consumers have access to effective debt advice.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his Department's policies of policy measures adopted in Germany to improve energy efficiency and waste heat utilisation in data centres.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

To address the growing energy demands of AI, the AI Energy Council was established. The Council offers expert insights into preparing the UK’s energy system to manage AI’s energy footprint, as well as harnessing AI’s potential within a modern energy system - aligned with the Clean Power 2030 goals.

Heat network zoning will enable heat sources to be connected to a network. This will allow for strategic heat networks to be built across the country, making use of recoverable heat sources, including data centres, where available.

The department is undertaking research into best practice for connecting heat sources to heat networks. This includes learning from national and international case studies.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his department has made of the impact of the Iran War on heating oil costs for houses and businesses in Harpenden and Berkhamsted constituency.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government is aware of the exposure heating oil has to the short-term volatility in global oil prices, which we recognise it is a significant concern for those reliant on it.

This is why the Chancellor announced £53 million for low income families, who heat their homes with oil to help tackle surging prices, £27m is for England and is being delivered through the Crisis and Resilience Fund in England.

The Department has also worked closely with the Competition and Markets Authority to monitor profiteering or unfair practices.

The CMA has commenced an accelerated Heating Oil Market Study, and are looking into further consumer protections.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department plans to bring forward the timetable for recognising emissions reductions associated with Sustainable Aviation Fuel under the UK Emissions Trading Scheme.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The UK ETS already allows aircraft operators to recognise emissions reductions from eligible SAF when meeting their allowance surrender obligations, in line with existing legislative requirements, including the annual reporting deadline of 31 March.

The UK ETS Authority is consulting on the future treatment of SAF in the UK ETS. Any changes would be informed by consultation responses and set out in a consultation response. With the UK and EU in negotiations in pursuit of linking the UK ETS and EU ETS, the Authority will also need to consider any implications of ETS linking once negotiations have concluded.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to encourage the integration of data centres into local heat network zoning plans.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Department is looking at how waste heat from data centres can be used to support the development of large scale, strategic heat networks.

Through heat network zoning, certain buildings and heat sources, including data centres, can be required to connect to a network within set timeframes.

Additionally, the Green Heat Network Fund provides £195m p.a. in capital grants up to 2029–30 for low carbon heat networks in England. One supported project is a major new network in North-West London that will utilise data centre heat, powering 10,000 new homes and 250,000m2 of commercial space.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of electricity pricing arrangements on (a) small and medium sized enterprises and (b) other non domestic consumers; and what steps his Department is taking to support small businesses with their energy costs.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

We are closely monitoring the impact of energy prices on businesses caused by the instability in the middle east, and much will depend on the length of the ongoing crisis. We are increasing the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) grant for properties heated by oil and LPG, taking the total grant to £9,000. This will help SMEs in England and Wales most impacted by rising energy prices to electrify their heating and provide greater certainty over energy bills.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his department has made of the potential impact of Investor-State Dispute Settlements on the transition away from fossil fuels.

Answered by Katie White - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government is aware of the interest in ISDS, and is engaging with energy and climate stakeholders on its impact on UK priorities. In line with HMG’s Trade Strategy, the UK will continue to work with partners through multilateral forums, including the OECD and the UN system, to identify opportunities to improve ISDS practice.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to ensure the clean energy sector procures UK manufactured steel.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Our Clean Energy Industries Sector Plan gives investors the certainty and stability they need to invest in and expand UK supply chains.

We are committed to supporting and growing clean energy supply chains, creating good jobs across the UK. This includes ensuring there are opportunities for domestic products, including UK steel, to be used in our UK deployment projects; as well as leveraging our strong deployment trajectories to unlock even more investment into UK supply chains.

We have recently set out our approach to supporting the UK steel industry in the Steel Strategy and have announced revisions to tariffs and quotas to protect UK producers. Additionally, the National Wealth Fund has at least £5.8 billion for investing in some clean energy sectors, and green steel.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of his Department's policies on energy prices for households.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Tackling high energy costs is a central priority for the Government. The actions taken at the Autumn Budget have helped to protect consumers today, ensuring that from 1st April to the end of June, the price cap fell by £117 per year for a typical dual fuel customer paying by Direct Debit. In addition, around 6 million families are benefitting from the expansion of the £150 Warm Home Discount. The Fuel Poverty Strategy also sets out a new plan for the Government to reduce energy costs for low-income households and lift up to one million households out of fuel poverty by 2030.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether, in agreeing new subsidies for Drax for 2027 to 2031, his Department sought assurances from the company that the letter it wrote to the Department on 10 October 2022 about the forests its wood comes from was accurate and complete.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

In the letter Drax was responding to questions posed by DESNZ regarding its sourcing of biomass from Canada. DESNZ subsequently consulted Canadian officials and forestry experts on the issues and developed enhanced sustainability criteria, audit and assurance requirements which have been implemented within the new Low-Carbon Dispatchable Contract for Difference with Drax.

Ofgem independently investigated Drax’s annual profiling submission for compliance period 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2022 which concluded Drax had misreported data. In response, Drax made a voluntary redress payment of £25m and Forvis Mazars has been appointed to independently audit Drax’s annual profiling data and reporting. This audit is currently ongoing.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to help protect consumers who require LPG for home heating from global price instability.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Households that rely on LPG may be eligible for support through the Crisis and Resilience Fund. Guidance issued to local authorities makes clear that crisis payments may be used to assist with energy costs associated with any fuel used for domestic heating, cooking or lighting, including bulk LPG and portable gas cylinders.

Local authorities are responsible for assessing individual circumstances and determining the most appropriate form of support, in accordance with the Fund’s guidance and its person-centred, needs-based approach.

In addition, all domestic electricity consumers will benefit from measures announced at the Budget, under where the price cap has fallen by 7% and will be fixed until July.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of bringing industrial energy prices in line with international competitors on UK manufacturing jobs.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The only way to bring energy bills down sustainably is by reducing Britain’s exposure to volatile fossil fuel markets. Our mission for Clean Power by 2030 will get us off the rollercoaster of fossil fuel prices, to cut bills for businesses and households for good.

In the nearer term, through the British Industry Supercharger (BIS), we are reducing electricity costs for energy‑intensive industries. Since April 2026, the discount on electricity network charges for these firms has increased from 60% to 90%.

The British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) will also reduce electricity costs by up to £40/MWh for over 10,000 businesses across the Industrial Strategy’s growth sectors and key manufacturing supply chains.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what plans his Department has for a successor to the Energy Company Obligation scheme (ECO4), including (a) a timetable for its introduction and (b) arrangements for the transition between schemes.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government has decided not to replace ECO4 when it ends this year. While the scheme has played an important role, it has faced significant challenges, particularly around poor-quality installations.

This does not mean reducing support for low-income households. The Warm Homes Plan will provide targeted assistance through public funding and support the workforce to access new opportunities through £15bn of investment. The Government also announced at the Budget an additional £1.5bn in grant-funding for low-income families.

To support this transition, ECO4 has been extended until the end of 2026 to enable remediation and minimise disruption to the supply chain.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to support lifeline ferry services with costs associated with the expansion of the UK Emissions Trading Scheme to maritime and increases in fuel costs.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government recognises the importance of ferry services. We are supporting the sector to decarbonise, through the UK Shipping Office for the Reduction of Emissions (UK SHORE) R&D Programme. We recently announced funding of £271 million to clean up shipping and power coastal communities. This is part of a £448 million commitment to clean maritime funding. The Government will continue to work with industry to support the development of infrastructure and technologies needed to facilitate decarbonisation. Any potential impacts of the Emissions Trading Scheme on ferry services will be considered in a review of the UK ETS Maritime regime in 2028.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on the energy costs of heritage businesses and listed commercial buildings.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Department recently engaged with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on the proposals to improve the energy performance of buildings, including heritage and listed commercial properties.

The Government consulted on reforms to Energy Performance Certificates and proposes to bring all heritage buildings into scope of EPCs and Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards barring other exemptions; as well as proposals to strengthen non-domestic Private Rented Sector Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards to EPC B – reducing energy costs for businesses.

The Government recognises the challenges of improving heritage properties. That is why Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards include safeguards such as cost-effectiveness requirements and exemptions where third-party consent is not provided, ensuring a proportionate approach.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what his policy is on linking the UK and EU Emissions Trading Schemes.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The UK and EU agreed to work towards linking their emissions trading schemes, the UK ETS and EU ETS, at the May 2025 UK-EU summit. This was on the basis of the Common Understanding text agreed at that summit.

Linking is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the UK. These include a cheaper path towards decarbonisation by providing businesses with access to a larger, more liquid, stable carbon market. Linking would also create the conditions for mutual Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms exemptions, removing a major barrier to trade and lowering costs for UK firms.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the implications for his Department's policy of encouraging the import of higher‑carbon cement as an alternative to UK production.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The government does not encourage the import of higher-carbon cement as an alternative to UK-production and is taking action to protect domestic industry and level the playing field. The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) scheduled to take effect on 1 January 2027, will ensure that imported cement from overseas faces carbon pricing comparable to domestically produced cement. The British Industry Supercharger (BIS) is reducing the cost of electricity for the cement sector, helping it compete internationally.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of recent changes to energy costs on the level of profit reinvestment by social enterprises into local communities.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

We are closely monitoring the impact of energy prices on businesses, communities, and social enterprises caused by the instability in the middle east, and much will depend on the length of the ongoing crisis. We are increasing the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) grant for properties heated by oil and LPG, taking the total grant to £9,000. This will help SMEs and social enterprises in England and Wales most impacted by rising energy prices to electrify their heating and provide greater certainty over energy bills.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards on the availability of affordable commercial rental space for start-ups.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government has not identified evidence that Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards have reduced the availability of affordable commercial rental space for start-ups.

The department’s Impact Assessment has shown that costs for building improvements would be expected to make up a small proportion of typical commercial rents and are therefore unlikely to distort rental pricing on their own. The cost effectiveness test within the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards regulations means that an energy efficiency improvement must be implemented only where it is estimated that the energy bill savings over 7 years are greater than the cost of installing the measure. This is designed to ensure all measures installed are good value for money.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what financial support his Department has provided to small businesses in the context of recent trends in the level of kerosene costs.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The government recognises that many businesses across the country will see the global events and be concerned about the impact on their fuel bills. We are monitoring the situation closely and actively engaging with industry and trade associations to understand what support may be needed.

My Rt hon Friend the Secretary of State has written to the heating oil industry setting out our expectations that they adhere to the industry’s Code of Practice.

We have also requested the CMA undertake a detailed examination of the heating oil market and we will work closely with the CMA to understand their findings and develop options to increase consumer protection.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of (a) the adequacy of funding for the Energy Company Obligation scheme (ECO4) following its extension and (b) the level of funding available to support delivery.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Energy supplier obligation schemes will not be continuing. The government has agreed to a 9-month extension of ECO4 until 31 December 2026 to allow installers to carry out any remedial works needed following findings of non-compliance in external wall insulation. The extension will support the remediation process and assist an orderly close-down of ECO where energy suppliers can fulfil their delivery obligations, however it is not supported by a new levy or increased targets.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, from which countries the UK imports cement; and what assessment he has made of the comparative carbon intensity of those imports versus UK‑produced cement.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

In 2023, approximately 90% of cement imports by value were from European countries, including Ireland, Spain. Germany, and Portugal. No assessment has been made of the carbon intensity of cement imports versus UK produced cement.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Energy Company Obligation scheme on (a) the delivery of energy efficiency measures, (b) employment levels in the retrofit sector, (c) business viability in that sector and (d) support for households in fuel poverty.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Since ECO was launched in January 2013, it has delivered around 4.5 million measures in around 2.6 million properties (up to the end of February 2026). Of these measures, 52% were insulation measures while the rest were heating and micro-generation measures.

An evaluation of ECO4 is underway, which is looking at scheme impacts on supply chain growth, specialisation and workload from the perspectives of installers, as well as the proportion of ECO4 beneficiary households who were in fuel poverty prior to ECO4. Evaluation reports will be published later this year.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what fiscal steps he is taking to help reduce the cost of household energy bills for people in South Holland and the Deepings constituency.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government acted in the Autumn Budget to reduce electricity costs to the benefit of all households with a domestic electricity meter, including those not on the gas grid. By scrapping the ECO home insulation scheme and moving 75% of the domestic costs of the Renewables Obligation to the Exchequer, from April this year until 1 July we have been able to provide immediate savings for households. The Government's actions on bills also support the transition to clean energy, and ensure that future investments in the energy system are funded fairly and sustainably.

We are also investing £15 billion through the Warm Homes Plan – the biggest home upgrade plan in British history – to help lift a million families out of fuel poverty by 2030.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of Government policy on industrial energy costs on levels of long term energy intensive manufacturing capacity.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government understands the pressure on businesses facing high energy costs.

Our mission for Clean Power by 2030 will cut bills for good and will reduce the risk of carbon leakage by reducing Britain’s exposure to volatile fossil fuels.

In the nearer term, through the British Industry Supercharger (BIS), we are reducing electricity costs for energy‑intensive industries. Since April 2026, the discount on electricity network charges for these firms has increased from 60% to 90%.

The British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) will also reduce electricity costs by up to £40/MWh for over 10,000 businesses across the Industrial Strategy’s growth sectors and key manufacturing supply chains. This will bring British electricity costs more in line with other economies in Europe, and level the playing field for British businesses.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of UK energy policy on the offshoring of energy‑intensive manufacturing capacity.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government understands the pressure on businesses facing high energy costs.

Our mission for Clean Power by 2030 will cut bills for good and will reduce the risk of carbon leakage by reducing Britain’s exposure to volatile fossil fuels.

In the nearer term, through the British Industry Supercharger (BIS), we are reducing electricity costs for energy‑intensive industries. Since April 2026, the discount on electricity network charges for these firms has increased from 60% to 90%.

The British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) will also reduce electricity costs by up to £40/MWh for over 10,000 businesses across the Industrial Strategy’s growth sectors and key manufacturing supply chains. This will bring British electricity costs more in line with other economies in Europe, and level the playing field for British businesses.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether Ofgem has reviewed the Employment Tribunal case involving the Drax whistleblower; and whether Ofgem has assessed whether any matters raised in that case have implications for Drax’s compliance with sustainability reporting requirements under the Renewables Obligation regime.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

In order to receive subsidies under the Renewables Obligation (RO), Drax must demonstrate compliance with biomass sustainability criteria. As part of its 2023-4 investigation into Drax, Ofgem considered a broad range of documents and sources, including statements from whistleblowers. Ofgem's investigation was comprehensive and wide-ranging, and found that whilst Drax complied with the sustainability standards and RO certificates were not issued inappropriately, Drax failed to report some data accurately. The detail of any documents considered in this investigation is for Ofgem to comment on as the independent regulator. Ofgem is confident in its conclusions, as is Government.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what estimate his Department has made of the expected growth in datacentre capacity, measured in MW, from today to 2030.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Growth in data centre electricity demand is inherently uncertain, reflecting factors such as phased build out, utilisation rates, efficiency improvements, and the extent to which activity may displace or offset demand elsewhere in the economy.

DESNZ will continue to test a range of data centre growth trajectories and monitor emerging demand to inform where further mitigation or system adjustments may be required, keeping our demand assumptions under regular review in collaboration with the CCC and the National Energy System Operator.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has asked his new permanent secretary i) if he has read the December 2022 report by the Drax company secretary on whisteblowing allegations ii) if he concluded that there was a cover up and iii) if he is satisfied the company can be trusted to be the largest recipient of the department’s £20 billion biomass subsidy programme.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Secretary of State has not asked the Permanent Secretary to reach conclusions on matters that are subject to Ofgem’s independent regulatory processes.

Ofgem has confirmed that whistleblower accounts formed part of its extensive 2023-4 investigation into Drax’s compliance with reporting requirements. Its investigation did not find any evidence that Drax had been issued with subsidies incorrectly. Shortcomings were identified in Drax’s data governance and controls related to annual profiling data which are not used for subsidy calculation under the Renewables Obligation. Drax has subsequently made a significant payment of £25m to the Voluntary Redress Fund and improved its policies and procedures around reporting data.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, i) when his Department first saw the statement from Drax's General Counsel made on 12 December 2022 that the company's letter to the Energy Secretary dated 10 October 2022 might not "stand up to further scrutiny"; and ii) what steps he is now taking in light of that statement.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

As part of its extensive investigation into Drax’s sustainability reporting, Ofgem considered a range of internal documents concerning the accuracy of public statements around the 2022 Panorama documentary. While the precise documents reviewed are a matter for Ofgem to address as the independent regulator, the government received its final report and is confident in its conclusions.

The new Low-Carbon Dispatchable Contract for Difference with Drax from 2027-31 includes strengthened audit powers for the Low-Carbon Contracts Company to ensure the accuracy of sustainability statements. Drax will be liable for significant penalties via loss of subsidy, and – ultimately – termination of the contract if significant breaches are identified.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department has made an assessment of the effectiveness of the Property Value Protection Scheme in meeting its objectives in communities affected by proposals for a Geological Disposal Facility; and what steps his Department is taking to help ensure that the scheme provides adequate assurance and protection for homeowners.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) Property Value Protection (PVP) scheme is a discretionary property support scheme designed to assist eligible homeowners who have a compelling need to sell but are unable to do so other than at a substantially reduced price as a result of the GDF siting process in their community. It draws on comparable schemes used for major infrastructure projects.

The scheme is delivered by NWS, and applications are assessed against clear eligibility criteria by an independent panel. There are opportunities to review the scheme as the programme progresses. NWS continues to engage with local communities to raise awareness and support potential applicants, helping to ensure the scheme operates fairly and consistently.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to support dispersed sites without access to potential CCUS infrastructure and pipelines to decarbonise.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Government recognises that non-pipeline methods of CO₂ transportation (for example, road, rail, barge and ship) will play an integral role in achieving decarbonisation across multiple regions and sectors of the economy, to meet our carbon budget targets and net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Non-pipeline transport (NPT) will be required where it is not technically or economically feasible to connect to a store via a pipeline.

The government’s consultation on its proposals for NPT deployment across the UK has just concluded and we are in the process of analysing responses.

Alongside this, the government launched the NPT Pathfinder Selection Process on the 9 April. This is the first time NPT projects will be eligible to apply for storage at the East Coast Cluster and we look forward to seeing which projects come forward to take up this exciting opportunity.

Both initiatives will help inform further NPT deployment in the future.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether the findings of the paper published in Nature Sustainability on 20 April 2026 titled "Decades of increased emissions from forest-fuelled BECCS" conflict with the modelling underpinning the Department's decision to provide new subsidies to Drax for 2027 to 2031; and if he will now order a review of his modelling.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The case for awarding the 2027-31 Low-Carbon Dispatchable Contract for Difference to Drax was based on short to medium-term security of supply needs as identified by the National Energy System operator (NESO). Longer-term system needs, and considerations around Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage, are considered as part of the government’s forward planning in delivering Carbon Budgets and clean power system requirements.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of introducing a cap and floor design to repower renewable energy generation projects post-contract.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government amended the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme from Allocation Round 7 (AR7) to enable the repowering of onshore wind projects, following consultation and stakeholder engagement. Repowered onshore wind projects are now eligible to compete for CfD support.

The Government will keep under review the potential extension of repowering arrangements to other renewable technologies, such as offshore wind, in future allocation rounds.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has made an assessment of the effectiveness of Germany's Contracts for Difference scheme for industry to electrify and decarbonise effectively.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

UK and German officials regularly engage to exchange best practices and lessons learnt on industrial decarbonisation, including on issues such as auction design and support schemes, notably through the UK-Germany Climate and Energy partnership, as well as through multilateral fora including the Climate Club, the Industrial Deep Decarbonisation Initiative, and the Breakthrough Agenda.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of policy on new North Sea oil and gas licences on (a) employment in the offshore energy sector, (b) energy security, (c) tax revenues from domestic oil and gas production and (d) levels of imported liquefied natural gas; and whether he plans to review the Energy Profits Levy, decarbonisation requirements for offshore installations and restrictions affecting new exploration and drilling activity.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The government has committed to not issue new licences to explore new fields.

We will need a wide range of skills to build the future offshore energy sector, and we are launching a North Sea Jobs Service, matching workers to secure well-paid jobs.

New licences would typically take up to 10 years to develop and would not make us energy secure.

LNG provides a flexible energy source during the transition and comprises 14% of supply.

We are taking a proportionate approach on tax, recognising the ongoing role of oil and gas, while ensuring the sector contributes more towards the transition.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential environmental impact of the Peak Cluster project in a) cost, b) foliage, and c) endangered species.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Peak Cluster’s planned CCUS project has not been identified as one of the four CCUS Clusters for support through the government’s CCUS Cluster Sequencing process and is not in receipt of funding from the department.

Environmental impacts are typically assessed through statutory environmental and planning processes. These include Environmental Impact Assessments, which are undertaken by developers as part of the planning application process and considered by the relevant planning authorities.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what is the projected cost of the Peak Cluster project.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The department does not hold this information. The Peak Cluster’s planned CCUS project has not been identified as one of the four CCUS Clusters for support through the government’s CCUS Cluster Sequencing process and is not in receipt of any funding from the department. Consequently, the information held by the department on the project is limited at this stage.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will publish a list of training programmes used by civil servants in his Department since 2023.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) provides training for civil servants through a combination of cross‑government, departmental and locally procured learning.

Since 2023, this has included learning accessed through Civil Service Learning and the Government Campus, which bring together core, functional and profession‑specific training across government.

The Department offers internal learning through the DESNZ Academy, covering core learning, leadership and management, specialist skills, and talent and career development.

The Department does not hold a single centrally maintained list of all individual training courses undertaken, as learning is accessed through multiple platforms aligned to business needs.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what his planned timetable is for implementing reforms to decouple electricity prices from gas prices.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government plans to consult later this year on introducing a voluntary Wholesale Contract for Difference (CfD), which would offer existing eligible generators that aren’t already contracted under a CfD the option to seek to agree a fixed price for the electricity they generate, with an intention to run an allocation process in 2027. In addition, the Government has announced a 10% increase to the rate of the Electricity Generator Levy which will take effect from 1st July 2026, to respond to the high prices that generators are benefitting from at present due to the crisis in the Middle East.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of his Department's policies on jobs in the renewable energy sector.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The clean energy transition represents one of the UK’s largest opportunities for economic growth and high-quality job creation this decade.

In October 2025, we published the Clean Energy Jobs Plan which sets out the workforce needed to deliver our Clean Energy Superpower Mission, and how the government will work in partnership with industry and trade unions to deliver it. This highlights that the UK’s clean energy workforce could double by 2030, supporting up to 860,000 high quality jobs across every nation and region.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of increases in fuel costs on voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations; and whether he plans to extend support measures to assist the VCSE sector.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

We are closely monitoring the impact of fuel and energy prices on businesses and communities caused by the instability in the Middle East, and much will depend on the length of the ongoing crisis. We will not hesitate to act in a targeted and timely manner as we assess the impact of this crisis on voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations, local industries and small businesses, including those in rural areas which can be most impacted by fuel costs.

The Government will not tolerate profiteering or unfair practices. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), as the independent body responsible for protecting consumers and ensuring competition, is undertaking a detailed examination of the heating oil market and is urgent looking into concerning reports from consumers. Where companies are found to have breached consumer protection law, the CMA will not hesitate to act.

The Chancellor has frozen fuel duty since this Government came to office, extending the 5p fuel duty cut until September and the government has implemented Fuel Finder which will enable VCSEs to access accurate, up-to-date fuel prices wherever they are. These measures will help VCSEs in England and Wales most impacted by rising energy and fuel prices, particularly in rural areas, by providing greater certainty over fuel prices.

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Found: of the Accredited Official Statistics publication Energy Trends produced by the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero

Found: of the Accredited Official Statistics publication Energy Trends produced by the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero

Found: of the Accredited Official Statistics publication Energy Trends produced by the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero

Found: outages. 22 Data tables and special articles Data in this release Data are collected by DESNZ

Found: of the Accredited Official Statistics publication Energy Trends produced by the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero

Found: of the Accredited Official Statistics publication Energy Trends produced by the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero

Found: outages. 22 Data tables and special articles Data in this release Data are collected by DESNZ

Found: of the Accredited Official Statistics publication Energy Trends produced by the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero

Found: of the Accredited Official Statistics publication Energy Trends produced by the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero

Found: reflect emerging evidence or new values published by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ

Found: reflect emerging evidence or new values published by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ

Found: .: 16172712 Date: 22nd May 2026 Department for Energy Security & Net Zero AB1 Building Crimon Place Aberdeen

Found: .: 00305943 Date: 26th May 2026 Department for Energy Security & Net Zero AB1 Building Crimon Place Aberdeen

Found: .: 01483021 Date: 27th May 2026 Department for Energy Security & Net Zero AB1 Building Crimon Place Aberdeen

Found: His recent Senior Civil Service roles in DESNZ and its predecessors have covered electricity networks

Found: (DESNZ) response on decommissioning charging regulations, draft guidance and

Found: available from: Oil & Gas: decommissioning of offshore installations & pipelines - GOV.UK www.gov.uk/desnz

Found: Underpinning the 2026/27 Hourly Rates _____________ 13 4 Introduction The Department for Energy Security & Net Zero

Found: Recently published DESNZ (2023) guidance states that “Sound radiated from the diamond wire cutting of

Found: Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, now Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ

Found: Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, now Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ

Found: Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, now Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ

Found: Comparative Assessment CESL Centrica Energy Storage Limited COUKL Centrica Offshore UK Limited DESNZ

Found: Decommissioning Programmes, which must be approved by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ

Found: ABBREVIATIONS Abbreviation Meaning BEIS Department of Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (now DESNZ

Found: Vessel noise is known to effectively mask any noise generated by cutting (Pangerc et al., 2016; DESNZ

Found: AtoN Aids to Navigation BGT Bacton Gas Terminal CA Comparative Assessment CO2 Carbon Dioxide DESNZ

Found: DECC Department of Energy and Climate Change DEFRA Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs DESNZ

Found: Best Available Techniques BEIS (the Department of) Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (now DESNZ

Found: C&P Contracts and Procurement CA Comparative Assessment CO Carbon Monoxide CO2 Carbon Dioxide DESNZ

Found: and Procurement CRA Collision Risk Assessment DECC Department of Energy and Climate Change DESNZ

Found: Comparative Assessment DoC Depth of Cover DoL Depth of Lowering DP Decommissioning Programme DESNZ

Found: Aids to Navigation BGT Bacton Gas Terminal CA Comparative Assessment CoP Cessation of Production DESNZ

Found: Preference Index Cr Chromium Cu Copper DEFRA Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs DESNZ

Found: Continuous Plankton Reader CSV Construction Support Vessel DECC Department for Energy and Climate Change DESNZ

Found: Department of Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (now the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ

Found: Cessation of Production CSV Construction Support Vessel DECC Department for Energy and Climate Change DESNZ

Found: Cessation of Production CSV Construction Support Vessel DECC Department for Energy and Climate Change DESNZ

Found: Chromium CSV Construction Support Vessel Cu Copper DECC Department for Energy and Climate Change DESNZ

Found: Brae A Brae Alpha CA Comparative Assessment CNS Central North Sea DESNZ The Department

Found: ABBREVIATIONS Abbreviation Explanation BEIS Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (now DESNZ

Found: Bacton Gas Terminal CA Comparative Assessment CO2 Carbon dioxide CoP Cessation of Production DESNZ

Found: Preference Index Cr Chromium Cu Copper CV Coefficient of Variation dB Decibels DDC Drop-down Camera DESNZ

Found: Emissions Reduction Report 2024. https://oeuk.org.uk/product/emissions- reduction-report-2024/ 34 DESNZ

Found: /12/25 Distribution List Company No. of Copies Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ

Found: Dioxide CO2e Carbon Dioxide equivalent CoP Cessation of Production DES Drilling Equipment Set DESNZ

Found: BAT Best Available Techniques BEIS The Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (now DESNZ

Found: Weblink last accessed 16 Feb 2024: EEMS-atmos- calcs.pdf [4] DESNZ (2024) 2022 UK greenhouse gas emissions

Found: Circa CA Comparative Assessment CoP Cessation of Production DESNZ Department for Energy Security and

Found: ABBREVIATION EXPLANATION ~ Approximately COP Cessation of Production CSV Construction Support Vessel DESNZ

Found: Percentage AIS Automatic Identification System CA Comparative Assessment COP Cessation of Production DESNZ

Found: Science CNS Central North Sea CO2 Carbon Dioxide CO Carbon Monoxide CoP Cessation of Production DESNZ

Found: Support Vessel c/w complete with DECC Department of Energy and Climate Change (superseded – see DESNZ

Found: First published Nov 2003, https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2656.2003.00775.x [6] DESNZ (2024) 202 3 UK

Found: Operating Company Limited 1 Serica Energy Chinook Limited 1 Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ

Found: Kingdom, EC1N 2JD Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning Department for Energy Security & Net Zero

Found: Operating Company Limited C1D Amethyst C1D CA Comparative Assessment COP Cessation of Production DESNZ

Found: Chromium Cu Copper CV Coefficient of Variation DEFRA Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs DESNZ

Found: DESNZ Department for Energy Security and Net Zero DOB Depth of Burial.

Found: Updated reference to DESNZ and Chrysaor Resources. C4 Throughout n/a Sixth Issue.

Found: dioxide equivalent CPI Carbon Preference Index CRA Collision Risk Assessment Cr Chromium Cu Copper DESNZ

Found: Heather Limited has submitted, for the consideration of the Secretary of State for Department for Energy Security & Net Zero

Found: CWC Concrete Weight Co (used in Table 3.2.1) DEFRA Department for Food & Environmental Affairs DESNZ

Found: Heather Limited has submitted, for the consideration of the Secretary of State for Department for Energy Security & Net Zero

Found: Production NUI Normally Unattended Installation CV Coefficient of Variation OEUK Offshore Energies UK DESNZ

Found: ABBREVIATION EXPLANATION ~ Approximately COP Cessation of Production CSV Construction Support Vessel DESNZ

Found: CWC Concrete Weight Co (used in Table 3.2.1) DEFRA Department for Food & Environmental Affairs DESNZ

Found: Production NSTA North Sea Transition Authority CS Carbon Steel NUI Normally Unattended Installation DESNZ

Found: This report forms part of the information submitted to Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ

Found: Storage CO2 Carbon Dioxide CO2eq Carbon Dioxide Equivalent CSV Construction Support Vessel DESNZ

Found: /04/2025 85 Final Distribution List Name/Addressee Organization No of Copies ODU OPRED DESNZ

Found: post consultation Distribution List Name/Addressee Organization No of Copies ODU OPRED DESNZ

Found: Capture Storage Utilisation COP Cessation of Production DCR Design and Construction Regulations DESNZ

Found: used to define pipeline specifications) CoP Cessation of Production CA Comparative Assessment DESNZ

Found: to one micro-Pascal DCO Development Consent Order DECC Department of Energy and Climate Change DESNZ

Found: CA Comparative Assessment COP Cessation of Production DCR Design and Construction Regulations DESNZ

Found: Institute (reference organisation used to define pipeline specifications) CoP Cessation of Production DESNZ

Found: DESNZ, NCSC, Ofgem & NESO (2026) Energy Sector Cyber Security Strategy Building resilience through

Found: It also explains how DESNZ will achieve this by working in partnership with: National Cyber Security

Found: DESNZ will submit project-specific full business cases, which will include the corresponding accounting

Found: Michael Shanks MP Minister of State for Energy Department for Energy Security & Net Zero 55 Whitehall