Asked by: Mark Pritchard (Conservative - The Wrekin)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether any solar infrastructure built with the support of GB Energy will use solar panels built in regions where supply chains have evidence of (a) modern slavery and (b) other exploitation.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Great British Energy will lead the way in ethical supply chains, and there is no place for forced labour or unethical practices in the UK's energy transition. The Procurement Act 2023 enables public bodies to reject bids and terminate contracts with suppliers known to use forced labour. As a state-owned company, Great British Energy is expected to be a first-in-class example of adherence to the UK’s legislation and guidance on modern slavery, including the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
All contracts issued under the schools and hospitals solar initiative have complied with UK procurement rules, including extensive requirements under the Modern Slavery Act 2015. Great British Energy will uphold these standards in its contracting arrangements and is actively engaging with international partners to raise the bar globally on solar supply chain accountability.
Asked by: Mark Pritchard (Conservative - The Wrekin)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he plans to ban the import of (a) solar panels and (b) solar panel components from Xinjiang.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Government is committed to tackling forced labour in solar supply chains, including in Xinjiang. We are strengthening due diligence requirements through the implementation of the Procurement Act 2023 and by reviewing Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act
The Solar Roadmap outlines actions to build ethical, resilient supply chains, including support for the Solar Stewardship Initiative, which is conducting independent audits of manufacturers. Furthermore, Great British Energy (GBE) is committed to acting on any evidence of forced labour in its supply chains, as required by the GBE Act.
Asked by: Mark Pritchard (Conservative - The Wrekin)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will take steps to introduce new safety protocols for solar battery storage sites.
Answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
The Government has committed to consult in June 2025 on including battery storage sites within scope of the Environmental Permitting Regulations.
We are continuing to work closely with the industry-led Electricity Storage Health and Safety Governance Group, to ensure that a robust health and safety framework for batteries is sustained.
Asked by: Mark Pritchard (Conservative - The Wrekin)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, when her Department will publish the response to the consultation entitled Non-domestic private rented sector minimum energy efficiency standards: EPC B implementation, published on 17 March 2021; and whether the response will include proposals for new targets to be introduced by 2030.
Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)
We are currently reviewing the policy design, including the timelines for introduction, to ensure that it remains fair and proportionate for landlords and tenants. We plan to publish a response to the consultation as early as possible this year.
Asked by: Mark Pritchard (Conservative - The Wrekin)
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 the International Atomic Energy Agency on (a) the safety of the Ostrovets nuclear plant in Belarus and (b) the potential impact of that nuclear plant on the safety of UK nationals living in Baltic States.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Details of ministerial meetings are published quarterly in arrears.
Asked by: Mark Pritchard (Conservative - The Wrekin)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will meet with the US Energy Secretary to discuss (a) importing US-produced (i) Liquefied Natural Gas and (ii) oil and (b) imports from volatile regions.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero looks forward to meeting the new US Energy Secretary to discuss our shared values and interests across a full range of energy issues.
Asked by: Mark Pritchard (Conservative - The Wrekin)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will commission research into reducing consumer energy prices through locational energy consumption.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Through the Review of Electricity Market Arrangements, we are exploring several ways to reduce energy bills by making more efficient use of the energy infrastructure we are building. As part of this we are considering zonal pricing, alongside options for further reform within our current national pricing arrangements. Government is considering these options carefully and will provide more information in due course.
Asked by: Mark Pritchard (Conservative - The Wrekin)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will include surface coating or heat treatment, SIC Code 25610, in the Energy Intensive Industries compensation scheme.
Answered by Graham Stuart
The list of eligible sectors for the compensation scheme is set for its duration until 2025.