Asked by: Graeme Downie (Labour - Dunfermline and Dollar)
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 security risks posed by the use of Chinese-manufactured technology in (a) smart grids, (b) renewable energy systems and (c) the UK’s energy infrastructure.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Department collaborates with other government departments, agencies and industry partners to understand and mitigate threats to energy infrastructure, setting robust regulatory standards for cyber through the Network and Information Systems Regulations. This includes working with regulators to ensure these regulations cover critical operators as the sector evolves.
Recognising the importance of renewable and smart energy systems for flexibility and decarbonisation, the department is working to ensure the system is developed in a way that is secure by design, and protects energy supply, infrastructure and consumers. As part of this work, Government has published two consultation packages which sets out proposals for minimum security and grid stability requirements, including for organisations remotely controlling electrical load.
Asked by: Graeme Downie (Labour - Dunfermline and Dollar)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if his Department will restrict Chinese-manufactured components in the UK’s energy infrastructure projects.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
We take a consistent, long-term and strategic approach to managing relations with China and will co-operate where we can, compete where we need to, and challenge where we must.
As an open economy, we welcome foreign trade and investment where it supports growth and jobs in the UK and meets our legal and regulatory requirements. We work closely with industry to build secure supply chains and back UK businesses. The government has also established Great British Energy to drive forward greater investment in clean, home-grown energy production and to build supply chains across the UK.
Asked by: Graeme Downie (Labour - Dunfermline and Dollar)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what the membership will be for the review of Mineworkers' Pension Scheme.
Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
As of 30 September, there were 119,244 members of the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme.
Asked by: Graeme Downie (Labour - Dunfermline and Dollar)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he plans to have discussions with Scottish Power on the future potential of the site of the former Longannet Generating station near Kincardine, Fife.
Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
While I have not yet had any discussion on this matter, I welcome news of any plans that Scottish Power may have for developing projects that could help in the transition to clean power, including hydrogen production. Low carbon hydrogen can play a key role in our 2030 Clean Power Mission, as well as creating good jobs in our industrial heartlands, delivering a just transition, and achieving net zero.