Oral Answers to Questions

Nicola Richards Excerpts

Tuesday 4th July 2023 Commons Chamber

[Amanda Solloway]

We are working as quickly as we can on ensuring this. The new skills that will be required are really beneficial for the UK economy, so we are keen to work with the green jobs delivery group and the Department for Education in looking at apprenticeships and how we can push this forward as quickly as possible.

[Nicola Richards (West Bromwich East) (Con)]

12. What steps he is taking to encourage private sector investment in clean energy technologies.

[Dr Kieran Mullan (Crewe and Nantwich) (Con)]

17. What steps he is taking to encourage private sector investment in clean energy technologies.

[The Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero (Graham Stuart)]

Our “Powering up Britain” plan seizes opportunities from the transition to a decarbonised energy system. Our policies, backed by billions of pounds of Government funding—but more importantly, leveraging in about £100 billion of private investment—will support up to 480,000 jobs in 2030.

[Nicola Richards]

Enfinium is building a new energy-from-waste facility in my constituency, which will process nearly 400,000 tonnes of waste to generate electricity for more than 95,000 homes and businesses each year. Will the Minister join me in welcoming this investment in renewable energy, and outline how the Government are supporting energy-from-waste facilities across the country?

[Graham Stuart]

I thank my hon. Friend, and I am delighted to join her in welcoming this new investment, which will be a huge asset to her community as well as having positive national implications. Energy from waste with combined heat and power is supported through pot 1 of the contracts for difference scheme—our auction system. We expect to announce the results of the latest round in early September, and I hope the House will watch that announcement with great interest.