Oral Answers to Questions

Ian Blackford Excerpts

Tuesday 4th July 2023 Commons Chamber

The Secretary of State was asked—

[Ian Blackford (Ross, Skye and Lochaber) (SNP)]

1. What steps he is taking to support energy transition projects in Scotland.

[Dr Philippa Whitford (Central Ayrshire) (SNP)]

14. What steps he is taking to support energy transition projects in Scotland.

[The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Grant Shapps)]

We are supporting Scotland through the North sea transition deal, contracts for difference for renewable energy, and more than £80 million of net zero innovation portfolio funding.

[Ian Blackford]

I thank the Secretary of State for that response, particularly in relation to CfDs. Will he commit today to a clear pathway for the true commercial-scale development of tidal stream energy? A ringfence in the CfD auction is welcome, but it is only scratching the surface of what the industry can deliver. Investors in projects are stalling, as they need long-term visibility. The industry—and, indeed, all of us—needs this technology to succeed. Let us unlock this predictable, renewable power and create an industry and sector that we can be proud of and that can be made on these islands. We need a commitment today that the ringfenced budget will increase, to allow costs to fall and true-scale projects to be delivered. If we want energy security, here is the pathway.

[Mr Speaker]

We are meant to be asking questions, not making statements.