Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether her Department is taking steps to reduce the use of diesel generators; and what data her Department holds on the number of mobile phone masts powered by diesel generators.

We are committed to fully decarbonising the power system by 2035 but we will not be taking any chances with Britain’s energy supply.

Fossil fuel generation such as diesel is used to provide business continuity for infrastructure in the event of disruption to electricity supplies.

Users of diesel generators are required to obtain environmental permits and meet limits on emissions of air pollutants as set out in the Environmental Permitting Regulations (England and Wales) 2016.

The Department does not hold data on the number of mobile phone masts powered by diesel generators. The majority of mobile phone masts draw their power from the National Grid, with a number having a backup diesel generator, and some being permanently powered by diesel generator.