Oral Answers to Questions

Sally-Ann Hart Excerpts

Tuesday 21st September 2021 Commons Chamber

[Kwasi Kwarteng]

We have spoken about this issue many times in this House, and the hon. Member will appreciate that carbon capture is a key part of our net zero strategy. I think that is widely accepted, particularly by the Climate Change Committee. With her knowledge of chemistry, she will also know that carbon capture works hand in hand with the production of blue hydrogen and that blue hydrogen is not particularly carbon intensive. The reason why countries such as Germany have not pursued a blue hydrogen strategy is that they do not have the physical infrastructure in the North sea to do it.

[Sally-Ann Hart (Hastings and Rye) (Con)]

Renewable energy depends on increasing our grid capacity, so what steps is my right hon. Friend taking to do that?

[Greg Hands]

There are robust processes in place for bringing forward new grid upgrades to meet demand. Smart electric vehicle charging and other smart technologies of course reduce the need for new infrastructure, and the recent smart systems and flexibility plan sets out the actions the Government will take in an area in which I know my hon. Friend takes an ongoing interest.