Written questions by Taylor.

Whether the locations of (a) the 80 essential and (b) all 88 network projects in the National Grid’s transmission expansion plan have been identified.

Network planning at a high level is undertaken by the National Energy System Operator (NESO) which identifies where reinforcements are needed, network companies then design and propose individual projects. The NESO’s 2030 Advice identifies 80 specific projects as critical for the delivery of Clean Power by 2030. These projects are taken from NESO’s Pathway to 2030 Report (2022), and are listed in Annex N1 of the NESO’s Clean Power 2030 Data Workbook. The Government will set out further details when we publish the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan by the end of the year.

What steps he is taking to increase the UK's grid capacity to (a) help achieve net zero goals and (b) support (i) improved rail connectivity and (ii) advanced manufacturing in Paisley and Renfrewshire North constituency.

The electricity networks are owned by private network companies and regulated independently by Ofgem. Government is working closely with Ofgem to speed up delivery of new network infrastructure and reform the connections process to help achieve clean power by 2030 and accelerate to net zero. Under the current distribution network price control (2023-2028), Ofgem has allowed £22.2bn for network investment. This will increase capacity, enabling connections for projects across GB, including rail and advanced manufacturing.