Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government how small businesses will be included in the Clean Energy Industries Sector Plan, published on 23 June, and what mechanisms will be available for local, non-corporate organisations to build onshore wind turbines and solar farms, such as the Orkney Community Wind Farms.

The Clean Energy Industries Sector Plan, launched on 23 June 2025 under the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy, targets regional growth and aims to double clean energy investment to over £30 billion a year by 2035, with small businesses playing a key role. The Plan proposes streamlining planning, improving grid access, and supporting innovation to benefit SMEs and local firms.

Additionally, Great British Energy will boost investment in local and community energy projects, ensuring communities play a central role in the UK’s clean energy transition. For 2025/26, we have set up £5 million in grant funding through the Great British Energy Community Fund, which is available to community energy groups to help communities develop their own clean energy projects, including solar-powered generation and onshore wind.