Energy Grid Resilience

Debate between Lord Hunt of Kings Heath and Lord Arbuthnot of Edrom

Tuesday 6th May 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Hunt of Kings Heath (Lab)]

My noble friend will know that my colleagues in the MHCLG are discussing these matters at the moment. I, of course, very much understand the contribution that solar on rooftops can make. We are taking this forward and I am sure we will make announcements as soon as possible.

[Lord Arbuthnot of Edrom (Con)]

Is the Minister able to tell us what proportion of our annual electricity comes from undersea cables, whether from abroad—France, Norway or eventually, possibly, Morocco—or from our own offshore wind farms? Because we know what President Putin has his eye on.

[Lord Hunt of Kings Heath (Lab)]

My Lords, I do not have the exact figures, but I will certainly find them and send them to the noble Lord. Clearly, protecting the offshore infrastructure is a very important issue for the Government. We are working with subsea and offshore operators, including the Joint Maritime Security Centre, to enhance our domestic maritime awareness. I very much take the point and will find the information and send it to him.