Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of Scotland's Statutory Independent Undertakings converting curtailed wind energy to hydrogen.

The Government views hydrogen as an important component of the future energy system to provide low carbon flexibility as it integrates more intermittent renewables. Excess renewable electricity can be used to produce hydrogen. This could have a range of potential uses. Hydrogen could generate power when there is less wind or sun, for transport and industry or potentially heating buildings.

Further evidence is required on whether gas networks can be converted to use 100% hydrogen. This includes independent gas networks operated as Statutory Independent Undertakings. The Government is working with industry and regulators to build the necessary evidence base.