Asked by: Llinos Medi (Plaid Cymru - Ynys Môn)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what discussions he has had with relevant stakeholders on rewiring existing (a) distribution and (b) transmission grid infrastructure.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The reinforcement of our electricity network is critical to deliver clean, secure power to homes and businesses across the country. This reinforcement includes both new infrastructure, on and offshore, and upgrades to existing lines which are always considered first. Transmission and distribution companies are carrying out significant upgrades to increase the capacity of existing lines on their networks. However, upgrading will not eliminate the need for new lines as it will not be sufficient to provide the necessary network capacity in all areas.
Asked by: Llinos Medi (Plaid Cymru - Ynys Môn)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer of 14 October 2024 to Question 7928 on Electricity: Wales, what estimate he has made of the level of investment needed between 2028 and 2033 in the (a) transmission and (b) distribution grids to help meet net zero targets.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
As the independent regulator, Ofgem assesses network owners’ investment plans with regard to their duties, including to support net zero. Government supports Ofgem’s ambition for acceleration of network build and strategic investment in the next electricity transmission price control, covering the period 2026-31. Ofgem’s current consultation on the framework for the next electricity distribution price control (starting in 2028) identifies the need for significant investment ahead of need, strategic planning, and regulatory changes to prepare the GB distribution networks for net zero.
Asked by: Llinos Medi (Plaid Cymru - Ynys Môn)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer of 14 October 2024 to Question 7928 on Electricity: Wales, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of planned investment in the (a) distribution and (b) transmission grid to meet Net Zero targets.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
As the independent regulator, Ofgem assesses network owners’ investment plans with regard to their duties, including to support net zero. Government supports Ofgem’s ambition for acceleration of network build and strategic investment in the next electricity transmission price control, covering the period 2026-31. Ofgem’s current consultation on the framework for the next electricity distribution price control (starting in 2028) identifies the need for significant investment ahead of need, strategic planning, and regulatory changes to prepare the GB distribution networks for net zero.
Asked by: Llinos Medi (Plaid Cymru - Ynys Môn)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps is he taking to increase battery storage capacity in the (a) distribution and (b) transmission grid.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Batteries have a vital role to play in the energy sector, as set out in the National Energy System Operator’s recent advice on achieving clean power by 2030.
The Government is working closely with the National Energy System Operator, Ofgem and industry to facilitate the deployment of battery storage. The Clean Power 2030 Action Plan will provide details on the steps we are taking to increase battery storage capacity connected to the distribution and transmission networks.
Asked by: Llinos Medi (Plaid Cymru - Ynys Môn)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how much Local Power plan funding will be allocated between each of the UK nations.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Local Power Plan will be delivered through Great British Energy (GBE). GBE will benefit all four nations, creating jobs and building supply chains across the UK, while respecting the devolution settlements.
GBE’s funding envelope provides a total amount to operate across all UK Nations. GBE will be capitalised with £125 million in 2025‑26 to set up the company and begin delivery on its functions.
Asked by: Llinos Medi (Plaid Cymru - Ynys Môn)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what estimate he has made of the number of properties in Wales that are unable to generate their own electricity due to capacity constraints in the electricity distribution network.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Department does not hold data on this. For generation of 3.68kW or less a property owner only has to notify the distribution network operator (DNO) post-installation. For larger installations the DNO will assess the impact of the proposed generation on the network, and either allow it to connect immediately or provide a connection date, and any costs.
Asked by: Llinos Medi (Plaid Cymru - Ynys Môn)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to expand the capacity of the electricity distribution network in Wales.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The government is committed to expanding the electricity network to support its Clean Energy Superpower mission and is working closely with Ofgem and industry to mobilise the required investment. Under the most recent price control for electricity distribution, covering 2023-2028, Ofgem has allowed £22.2bn for upfront network investment across GB, including Wales, of which £3.1bn is set aside for network upgrades to help the grid ready for low carbon technologies.
Additionally, the National Infrastructure Commission is providing recommendations in early 2025 on the policy decisions required to make the electricity distribution network fit for net zero.
Asked by: Llinos Medi (Plaid Cymru - Ynys Môn)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many responses were received in relation to the Prior Information Notice issued to explore building a further large-scale nuclear power station; from which parties those responses were received; and whether Wylfa is the designated site for the next gigawatt project.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Considerations for a further large-scale project are at an exploratory stage with the Prior Information Notice forming part of this work. The Prior Information Notice has now closed, with 10 responses, and we are continuing to engage with the organisations that responded. The names of these organisations are commercially sensitive. No decision has yet been taken on whether to pursue a future large-scale project, but we want Wylfa to play an important role in new nuclear in the UK and we will set out our plans for the site in due course.
Asked by: Llinos Medi (Plaid Cymru - Ynys Môn)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer of 5 September 2024 to Question 3867 on Hitachi: Wylfa Power Station, if he will provide a breakdown of how much of the £160 million total was spent on the site at (a) Wylfa and (b) Oldbury.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Great British Nuclear agreed to pay £115m for the Wylfa site and up to £45m for the Oldbury site, excluding taxes.
Asked by: Llinos Medi (Plaid Cymru - Ynys Môn)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, on what date the purchase of the Wylfa nuclear site from Hitachi was completed.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The transaction for Great British Nuclear to purchase land at Wylfa in Ynys Mon/Anglesey from Hitachi was agreed in March 2024 and completed in June 2024.