Asked by: Alun Cairns (Conservative - Vale of Glamorgan)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether she has made an assessment of the potential implications for her Department’s policies of the recommendations in the report entitled Fixing the Carbon Leak published by the Commission for Carbon Competitiveness in July 2023.
Answered by Graham Stuart
The Government welcomed and noted the Commission’s report, which made recommendations on a UK carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) and the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS). In December 2023, the Government announced that it would implement a CBAM by 2027 and consult further on this in 2024.
In December 2023, the UK ETS Authority launched consultations on the approach to both free allocation and market policy, seeking views on how the Authority can best target support to industrial sectors at risk of carbon leakage and on market stability mechanisms, including the design of the cost containment mechanism.
Asked by: Alun Cairns (Conservative - Vale of Glamorgan)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the additional support measures for industries covered by the UK Emissions Trading Scheme in ensuring the (a) environmental and (b) economic sustainability of Welsh industry.
Answered by Amanda Solloway
The UK ETS Authority is committed to protect our industry, including those in Wales, from carbon leakage as our economy decarbonises which is why we give free allocations to businesses at risk of carbon leakage under the UK ETS.
We have guaranteed free allocations at current levels until 2026 and are now consulting on changes to better target free allocations at sectors most at risk of carbon leakage from 2026 whilst maintaining their decarbonisation incentive.
A Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism will also be introduced by 2027 and will work cohesively with the UK ETS to mitigate the risk of carbon leakage.
Asked by: Alun Cairns (Conservative - Vale of Glamorgan)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, when she plans to decide the outcome of the 33rd offshore oil and gas licensing round.
Answered by Graham Stuart
It has not proved possible to respond to my Rt hon. Friend in the time available before Prorogation.
Asked by: Alun Cairns (Conservative - Vale of Glamorgan)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what her Department's policy is on a 34th Offshore Oil and Gas Licensing Round.
Answered by Graham Stuart
It has not proved possible to respond to my Rt hon. Friend in the time available before Prorogation.
Asked by: Alun Cairns (Conservative - Vale of Glamorgan)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether her Department is taking steps to ensure that energy production estimates by wind farm developers are accurate.
Answered by Graham Stuart
The Department does not validate energy production estimates by wind farm developers.
Where generation is supported through Government mechanisms such as the Contract for Difference or Renewable Obligation schemes, measures are in place to ensure payments are based on actual generation, rather than estimates.
Asked by: Alun Cairns (Conservative - Vale of Glamorgan)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether her Department is taking steps to ensure that energy supplied from renewable sources only incurs a cost to the public purse when it is required on the grid.
Answered by Graham Stuart
The Government, through the Review of Electricity Market Arrangements (REMA) programme, is considering reforms needed to electricity market arrangements to drive the necessary investment and efficient operation of a secure, cost-effective, low-carbon electricity system. This includes Government schemes, such as the Renewable Obligation and Contract for Difference, that support the generation of renewable electricity.
The Government will work with Ofgem, National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) and the Low Carbon Contracts Company (LCCC) to review and take appropriate steps, when necessary, to ensure that system costs associated with renewable generators' participation in the Balancing Mechanism offers the best value for money for consumers.
Asked by: Alun Cairns (Conservative - Vale of Glamorgan)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what (a) functional, (b) cyber and (c) physical security standards apply to energy generating facilities.
Answered by Andrew Bowie - Shadow Minister (Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Department works with Ofgem, the regulator, security agencies and technical authorities, and the generator community, to ensure that proportionate physical and cyber security standards are in place for the energy sector.
The Network and Information Systems Regulation 2018 requires generators over a certain threshold to ensure proportionate cyber security measures are in place to protect the service they provide. DESNZ works with industry to provides guidelines and advice on physical security, reinforced by a personnel security programme.
Asked by: Alun Cairns (Conservative - Vale of Glamorgan)
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 creating a set common standards used for the fitting of solar panels on domestic and commercial properties.
Answered by Graham Stuart
No recent assessment has been made by Government on this matter. For information on installing solar panels and general guidance we would recommend the Solar Energy UK website. Accredited installers can be found on the Microgeneration Certification Scheme website.
Asked by: Alun Cairns (Conservative - Vale of Glamorgan)
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) vandalism and (b) other damage to (i) solar farms and (ii) other energy-generating facilities on energy supplies; and what assessment he has made of the adequacy of security arrangements for such sites.
Answered by Graham Stuart
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero works closely with industry, the National Protective Security Authority and the National Cyber Security Centre to ensure energy infrastructure is proportionately protected against a range of threats, including malicious and accidental damage.
Asked by: Alun Cairns (Conservative - Vale of Glamorgan)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what progress Great British Nuclear has made on its first staged competition for Small Modular; and whether his Department has a timeline for its completion.
Answered by Andrew Bowie - Shadow Minister (Energy Security and Net Zero)
The first priority for GBN is to launch a competitive process to select the best Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technologies. This began in April with market engagement as the first phase. The second phase – the down-selection process - will be launched in the summer, with an ambition to assess and decide on the leading technologies by autumn.