Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what plans he has to (a) support and (b) incentivise (i) small businesses and (ii) contractors to enter the renewable energy installation market.

The Government has introduced the £5 million Heat Training Grant, supporting trainees in England taking training relevant to heat pumps and heat networks. For heat pumps, the grant is designed to support businesses with 250 employees or fewer, including sole traders.

Through the reconvened Solar Taskforce, we are identifying and taking forward the actions needed to develop supply chains and a high skilled, well-paid solar workforce. These actions will be set out in the Solar Roadmap, which is expected to be published in Spring 2025.

DESNZ is also engaging closely with wider reforms to the skills system, including the creation of Skills England and the new Growth and Skills Offer. Our Office for Clean Energy Jobs will ensure we have the skilled workforce we need for the net zero transition, and good jobs are spread across the country.