Asked by: Lord Fox (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to continue to abide by the conditions, obligations, structures and financial commitments of EURATOM membership during any transitional period after the UK leaves the EU.
Answered by Lord Henley
The way in which the UK envisages a transition or implementation period operating was set out in my Rt Hon Friend the Prime Minister’s Florence speech and will be subject to negotiation with the EU27.
Asked by: Lord Fox (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they would be willing to adhere to any nuclear co-operation agreements between EURATOM and third countries during any transitional period after the UK leaves the EU.
Answered by Lord Henley
The UK benefits from a number of existing nuclear co-operation agreements, some of which are between Euratom and a third country and some of which are bilateral between the UK and a third country. The Government’s priority is to ensure uninterrupted cooperation and trade in the civil nuclear sector, and we will ensure that the appropriate arrangements are in place for this to continue.
Negotiations with the EU27 on the operation of any transition or implementation period have not yet commenced and it is not possible at this stage to comment on the scope of these discussions.
Asked by: Lord Fox (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have discussed civil nuclear co-operation between EURATOM and the US with the governments of other EU member states.
Answered by Lord Henley
The UK Government has updated the European Commission on progress of its discussions with third countries about nuclear co-operation agreements, including with the USA, as part of the separation negotiations.
Asked by: Lord Fox (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:
To ask Her Majesty's Government when they plan to publish the results of phase one of the small modular nuclear reactors competition.
Answered by Lord Henley
The competition to identify the best value small modular reactor (SMR) for the UK was launched in March 2016. Industry has demonstrated considerable interest in the competition and over 30 eligible Expressions of Interest have been received. We expect to provide an update on progress with the competition shortly.
The focus of the competition is engagement with industry to help inform government policy. It does not involve the down-selection of a reactor design.
Asked by: Lord Fox (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what recommendations, if any, of the Cost of Energy Review will be included within the nuclear sector deal.
Answered by Lord Henley
The nuclear industry, under the leadership of Lord Hutton, is developing a range of proposals to put to Government for consideration as part of a Nuclear Sector Deal.
The Cost of Energy review conducted by Professor Dieter Helm is independent and we will now carefully assess its findings. We have launched a Call for Evidence to gather views from stakeholders.
Asked by: Lord Fox (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what proposals are being considered for inclusion within the nuclear industry sector deal.
Answered by Lord Henley
The nuclear industry, under the leadership of Lord Hutton, is developing a range of proposals to put to Government for consideration as part of a Nuclear Sector Deal. These cover the whole nuclear sector and focus on achieving cost reduction and boosting innovation and skills.
Asked by: Lord Fox (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to publish a nuclear industry sector deal alongside the industrial strategy White Paper; and if not, when a nuclear industry sector deal will be published.
Answered by Lord Henley
Government and nuclear industry are working together on a potential sector deal.
Asked by: Lord Fox (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will publish a nuclear and renewable energy roadmap setting out specific interim targets to implement the pathways set out in the Clean Growth Strategy published in October.
Answered by Lord Henley
The Clean Growth Strategy made clear that we want a diverse electricity system that supplies our homes and businesses with secure, affordable and clean power. Our Strategy outlines a possible pathway to continue realising emission reductions from the power sector out to 2032 as well as setting out our next steps.
Concerning renewables, we have already confirmed up to £557 million for further Pot 2 Contract for Difference auctions, with the next one planned for spring 2019. With regards nuclear power, we have reiterated our ambition to deliver new nuclear power through Hinkley Point C and progress discussions with developers to secure a competitive price for future projects.
Asked by: Lord Fox (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their response to the Cost of Energy Review published in October.
Answered by Lord Henley
The review conducted by Professor Dieter Helm is independent. We will now take the time to assess carefully its findings. We have launched a Call for Evidence to gather views from the energy industry, academics, businesses, consumer groups and other stakeholders.