Energy Bill

Debate between Bob Stewart and Robert Syms

Wednesday 4th December 2013 Commons Chamber

[Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con)]

My hon. Friend obviously knows quite a lot about this subject. How much reserve capacity does he think we should have? Is it 10%, 20% or something else? Is there a figure that he would recommend?

[Mr Syms]

The grid generally tries to keep a good level of capacity. There have been occasions recently when surplus capacity has been under 5%.

[Bob Stewart]

That is very small.

[Mr Syms]

It is small in capacity terms for the economy. Normally, that is when the grid starts getting a little nervous. In the years ahead, the grid might have to be a lot smarter about managing our assets and resources to ensure that we can provide electricity. Renewables have their role, but they are sometimes less predictable than nuclear or coal-powered stations. That is one reason why, as the hon. Member for Wansbeck (Ian Lavery) mentioned, there have been occasions recently when coal has provided 50% of our electricity, which is rather more than the 25% that it is providing now.