Asked by: Virginia Crosbie (Conservative - Ynys Môn)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what (a) recent discussions he has had with and (b) steps he is taking with the Welsh Government on upgrading the national grid transmission network to ensure that it has the necessary capacity to transmit electricity from (i) offshore wind and other (ii) small scale community generation and large scale renewable generation projects.
Answered by Graham Stuart
The Government recently published the “Powering Up Britain” publications which reaffirm the Government's commitment to accelerating delivery of electricity network infrastructure across Great Britain, as a critical enabler for energy security and net zero. The Government will publish an action plan to accelerate network connections in the summer and will respond to networks commissioner Nick Winser’s recommendations later this year.
The Government’s January 2023 response to the Welsh Affairs Committee’s inquiry also highlights work to upgrade grid capacity in Wales, including measures specific to offshore wind such as the Holistic Network Design, where Welsh Government officials are invited to attend relevant governance forums.
Asked by: Virginia Crosbie (Conservative - Ynys Môn)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to facilitate grid connections to allow the deployment of (a) renewables and (b) battery storage projects.
Answered by Graham Stuart
The Government works with Ofgem and network companies to accelerate connections by releasing network capacity and improving the connections process. As part of this work, the Electricity System Operator is seeking expressions of interest, by 30 April 2023, from developers who are willing and able to connect earlier than their allocated connection date. The Government will publish a Connections Action Plan in the summer, which will articulate actions by government, Ofgem and network companies to accelerate network connections, including for renewable energy and battery storage projects.
Asked by: Virginia Crosbie (Conservative - Ynys Môn)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to help (a) decouple the cost of gas and electricity, (b) encourage consumers to choose renewable alternatives to fossil fuels and (c) consumers who choose renewable energy sources to benefit from lower energy prices.
Answered by Graham Stuart
As part of the Review of Electricity Market Arrangements (REMA) programme, the Government is considering a range of potential options to shield consumers from the impacts of potential future commodity price spikes and to ensure they benefit from lower cost renewables.
The CfD scheme already insulates consumers against electricity price spikes. Over time this scheme will significantly reduce dependence on fossil fuelled power generation, lowering consumer exposure to gas prices.
Asked by: Virginia Crosbie (Conservative - 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 document entitled Pathway to 2030 Holistic Network Design, whether he has had discussions with the National Grid on the proposal for a new network in Wales; and for what reason the proposed network route has changed from offshore route to onshore.
Answered by Graham Stuart
The Holistic Network Design was produced independently by National Grid ESO as a key output of the government led Offshore Transmission Network Review. This process has identified a new network need between North and South Wales (PNSC). Detailed design work by the relevant Transmission Owner is ongoing and will consider the potential for both onshore and offshore options.
Asked by: Virginia Crosbie (Conservative - Ynys Môn)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he expects the budget for ringfenced support for tidal stream energy in Allocation Round 5 for Contracts for Difference will be at least as large as that provided in Allocation Round 4.
Answered by Graham Stuart
Final parameters for Allocation Round 5 (AR5) are currently under development. This involves a careful analysis of all technologies available in AR5, including tidal stream energy, against the Government's legal obligations. The Government is considering the appropriate parameters to ensure a competitive auction and the sufficient deployment of all technologies. Budgets set will reflect parameter decisions. A Budget Notice for AR5 with the full auction and budgetary details will be published in March 2023.
Asked by: Virginia Crosbie (Conservative - Ynys Môn)
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 an assessment of the potential impact of the proposed 2026 oil and LPG boiler ban on properties on Ynys Môn.
Answered by Graham Stuart
The Government consulted on phasing out the installation of heating systems using high carbon fossil fuels in homes, businesses and public buildings in England off the gas grid during the 2020s. The Government published impact assessments alongside these consultations. The Government will set out further details on these proposals when it responds to these consultations in due course. As this relates to a devolved matter it is for the Welsh Government to consider steps to decarbonise heat off the gas grid in Wales.
Asked by: Virginia Crosbie (Conservative - Ynys Môn)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether it is his Department's policy to continue with the proposed 2026 boiler ban for off-grid properties.
Answered by Graham Stuart
The Government consulted on phasing out the installation of heating systems using high carbon fossil fuels in homes, businesses and public buildings in England off the gas grid during the 2020s. We will set out further details on these proposals when we respond to these consultations in due course.