Asked by: Kevin Hollinrake (Conservative - Thirsk and Malton)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent assessment he has made of the potential risk of soil contamination from materials used in solar panels, cabling, inverters or battery storage systems.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Solar panels are designed to be highly durable, and there is no evidence that they pose a leaching risk under normal operating conditions.
New solar sites must have conducted environmental surveys, and environmental and habitat impact assessments. They must comply with health and safety legislation throughout their lifecycle.
Battery systems are governed by regulations, such as the Waste Batteries and Accumulators Regulations, which mitigate the risk of soil contamination through improper disposal.
The Government has recently consulted on the principle of including battery systems within scope of the Environmental Permitting Regulations (EPR). If pursued, EPR will require developers to demonstrate how specific risks have been managed and will provide for ongoing regulatory inspections of BESS sites
Asked by: Richard Holden (Conservative - Basildon and Billericay)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether Drax’s current Contract for Difference contains any binding obligations requiring the development and deployment of carbon capture and storage; and what assessment his Department has made of the continued burning of imported wood pellets for electricity generation under that contract.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The current Contract for Difference (CfD) and recently announced Low-Carbon Dispatchable CfD agreements will be in place until 2031 and do not include contractual requirements for the development of carbon capture and storage (CCS) at the site. The focus of the new CfD is ensuring security of supply for the contract duration, and the development of CCS in the future remains under consideration.
The Government published an impact assessment in early 2024 as part of its consultation on support options for large-scale biomass generators. This assessment was consistent with the views of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) which recognise that bioenergy can play a significant role in decarbonising economies, provided policies are in place to mitigate the use of unsustainable biomass.
Asked by: Blake Stephenson (Conservative - Mid Bedfordshire)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will impose a duty on the National Energy System Operator to inform hon. Members of connection applications in their constituencies.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Network connection applications are confidential to the parties involved before the point of a contract being signed, but details of generation and storage transmission connection agreements are published in the Transmission Entry Capacity Register TEC Register | National Energy System Operator. The equivalent for Interconnector projects is at Interconnector Register | National Energy System Operator.
Asked by: Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi (Labour - Slough)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential impact of domestic solar panels, energy efficiency and home battery storage on civil preparedness and national energy security.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Civil preparedness and national energy security are central to the Government’s resilience agenda. As we transition to Net Zero, we are working with Cabinet colleagues and industry to ensure that technologies such as domestic solar panels, home battery storage and energy efficiency measures contribute to a secure, resilient energy system and support household preparedness.
As set out in the National Security Strategy (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-security-strategy-2025-security-for-the-british-people-in-a-dangerous-world) and the Resilience Action Plan
(https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-government-resilience-action-plan) driving a conversation on risk and preparedness with the public is crucial. The forthcoming Energy Resilience Strategy will include proposals for how Government will work with wider society, in addition to the energy sector and partners in other critical sectors, to address the risks and challenges facing the energy system.
Asked by: Llinos Medi (Plaid Cymru - Ynys Môn)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to the funding increase by Great British Energy for renewable schemes in Wales announced on 10 December 2025, which body will be responsible for administering this funding to renewable schemes in Wales.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Welsh Government will administer the additional funding provided by Great British Energy. This will fund solar panels for schools, leisure centres and museums across Wales, as well as supporting a new scheme which will help public sector and communities complete projects such as solar canopies and battery energy storage.
Asked by: David Chadwick (Liberal Democrat - Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what representations has he made to BP over the use of British steel in the Net Zero Teesside project.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The department regularly engages with key CCUS stakeholders, including BP, to understand progress towards the industry-led, voluntary 50% local content target. The department has emphasised in discussions with industry partners the importance of supporting the UK steel sector and maximising opportunities for British businesses within the UK’s transition to net zero.
There has already been extensive investment in the CCUS supply chain, with £1 bn in UK-based subcontracts already being awarded across the Net Zero Teesside project and its associated CO2 Transport and Storage Company, the Northern Endurance Partnership, both of which are BP led. This demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting domestic industry and jobs.
The department will continue to explore further opportunities to maximise the role of the UK supply chain and we look forward to working closely with BP and other developers to achieve this.
Asked by: Christopher Chope (Conservative - Christchurch)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make it his policy that the Net Zero Teesside Procurement Project should use British-made steel.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The department regularly engages with key CCUS stakeholders to understand progress towards the industry-led, voluntary 50% local content target. The department has emphasised in discussions with industry partners the importance of supporting the UK steel sector and maximising opportunities for British businesses within the UK’s transition to net zero.
There has already been extensive investment in the CCUS supply chain, with over £1 bn in UK-based subcontracts already being awarded across the Net Zero Teesside project and its associated CO2 Transport and Storage Company, the Northern Endurance Partnership. This demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting domestic industry and jobs.
The department recognises the vital importance of supporting the UK steel sector and will continue to encourage all developers to maximise the role of the UK supply chain and we look forward to working closely with key stakeholders to achieve this.
Asked by: Richard Holden (Conservative - Basildon and Billericay)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of updating the international frozen food storage standard from –18°C to –15°C, including the potential impact on (a) energy costs for producers and retailers, (b) efficiencies in the food supply chain and (c) consumer prices; and whether the Government plans to support such a change in international standards.
Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
The Government welcomes new and innovative steps taken by any businesses to produce and supply food sustainably, providing they can demonstrate the food they place on the market is safe.
There is no legal requirement for frozen food to be stored at -18°C in general, but freezing remains a critical control step in some cases, such as killing parasites in fish intended to be eaten raw, and these requirements continue to apply.
We are aware that parts of the food industry are exploring raising frozen food storage temperatures from -18°C to -15°C to reduce energy use and support sustainability goals. While this evidence has not yet been shared with the Food Standards Agency, we are engaging with food businesses to understand potential implications. The Government will continue to monitor industry trials and evidence related to international frozen food storage standards.
Raising frozen food storage temperatures could reduce energy use for food business operators, which may help lower operating costs. At present, there is no clear evidence that such changes would lead to lower prices for consumers.
Any food business considering changes to frozen food storage temperatures must ensure food safety management systems remain compliant with legal requirements.
Asked by: Charlotte Cane (Liberal Democrat - Ely and East Cambridgeshire)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he plans to take to ensure local communities are consulted on the safety of proposed battery storage sites.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Developers of standalone grid-scale batteries must seek planning approval as outlined in the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. This requires local planning authorities to undertake a formal period of public consultation for at least 21 days. Those living near to the proposed site may offer views or detailed information relevant to the application, including on safety measures.
Planning Practice Guidance recommends that developers should also engage with local fire services ahead of submitting their planning application.
Asked by: Rupert Lowe (Independent - Great Yarmouth)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether UK (a) climate and (b) carbon capture, usage and storage initiatives are coordinated with U.S. federal or state programmes.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The United States is Britain’s closest ally. Our two countries have a long, deep history of close cooperation. This is demonstrated by the Technology Prosperity Deal signed by the Prime Minister and the President during his recent State Visit, which included ambitious civil nuclear collaboration.
The United States are also a key UK partner in Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage, as the world leader in deployment and current capacity, on which we each engage multilaterally within the Carbon Management Challenge and the Clean Energy Ministerial CCUS Initiative.