Written questions by Bowie.

What support is available from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme for devolved Administrations and Scottish local authorities for low-carbon retrofit programmes.

The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) provided grant funding to public sector organisations in England, and to bodies with reserved functions operating in the devolved administrations, to install heat decarbonisation and energy efficiency measures in public sector buildings. The scheme is closed to new applications with no further phases planned. We encourage public sector bodies operating in the devolved administrations to check the respective devolved government websites for information on the support available to them.

What steps he is taking to expand hydrogen storage and transport facilities in the North Sea region following the 3rd North Sea Summit.

Government is designing the Hydrogen Transport and Storage Business Models to establish the UK’s first regional hydrogen network to be in operation from 2031. To enable delivery, government has confirmed over £500m of support for hydrogen infrastructure following the June 2025 Spending Review The location of this network will be carefully chosen to maximise the benefits to UK industrial sectors and create a pathway for hydrogen as a clean power source. We recognise that offshore technologies have the potential to provide large-scale hydrogen storage and will continue to assess how different storage technologies may meet our strategic objectives.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the requirement for offshore wind firms to sign the Fair Work Charter on (a) trends in the level of private investment and (b) creating skilled secure jobs in Scotland’s coastal communities.

The Clean Industry Bonus will ensure public funding supports high quality jobs in offshore wind by requiring firms to sign a Fair Work Charter. The Fair Work Charter commits signatories to early implementation of the Employment Rights Act 2025, supporting access to trade unions across the sector. Additionally, it will commit signatories to strive for best practice health and safety at work. The associated Impact Assessment highlights that the overall impact of changes to the Clean Industry Bonus are expected to be positive.

What assessment he has made of the requirement for offshore wind firms to sign the Fair Work Charter on trade union recognition and collective bargaining in the sector.

The Clean Industry Bonus will ensure public funding supports high quality jobs in offshore wind by requiring firms to sign a Fair Work Charter. The Fair Work Charter commits signatories to early implementation of the Employment Rights Act 2025, supporting access to trade unions across the sector. Additionally, it will commit signatories to strive for best practice health and safety at work. The associated Impact Assessment highlights that the overall impact of changes to the Clean Industry Bonus are expected to be positive.

What steps he is taking to improve the physical and cyber security of the UK’s offshore renewable energy infrastructure.

The Department works closely with the energy industry, NESO, regulators and National Technical Authorities to strengthen the physical and cyber resilience of offshore renewable energy infrastructure. Recognising the risks to subsea and offshore assets, including vulnerabilities from accidental, negligent or intentional disruption, the Department is focused on proportionate measures to reduce opportunities for interference; with physical protection a key area of emphasis, reinforced by strengthened monitoring, detection and restoration arrangements. Government has set robust regulatory standards for cyber security through the Network and Information Systems Regulations 2018, with the forthcoming Cyber Security and Resilience Bill set to enhance and modernise these protections. This includes working with regulators to ensure these regulations cover critical operators as the sector evolves towards Net Zero targets.

What steps he is taking to accelerate planning and permitting processes for offshore wind developments in Scotland.

The Scottish consenting reforms taken forward by the Planning and Infrastructure Act will make the electricity infrastructure consenting system more efficient, more predictable, and look to reduce overall consenting timescales. The Government also aims to adopt reforms to environmental legislation for offshore wind in Spring 2026. Collectively these measures will enable the rapid deployment of clean power which is vital for our energy security. Ultimately planning decisions in Scotland are the responsibility of the Scottish Government.

What steps he is planning to take to (a) monitor and (b) enforce compliance with the Fair Work Charter among offshore wind developers participating in Contracts for Difference auctions.

Signing the fair work charter will be a condition of Clean Industry Bonus eligibility at the point of application. Enforcement during the delivery phase will be set out in the Charter’s governance chapter, which will be published later this month. It will set out the dispute resolution process agreed by industry and trade union representatives.

What funding mechanisms will be utilised to support cross-border offshore renewable energy projects between the UK and neighbouring North Sea countries.

The Government and Ofgem are developing a future approach to interconnection including offshore hybrid assets, and expect to publish further details in the spring. This will include consideration of delivery and finance models.

What steps he is taking to support other combined authorities and local councils to replicate the Liverpool City Region’s programme to decarbonise public buildings.

The Government recognises the essential role that local government, including combined authorities and local councils, play in accelerating to net zero. Support for local government includes funding to deliver net zero through their core settlement, grant funding schemes and strengthened collaboration such as through the Local Net Zero Delivery Group. Over the period 2025-2028 more than £190 million in public sector decarbonisation funding is being invested in local authorities through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme. Over the same period £67.6 million is being invested on decarbonisation of public buildings through the Integrated Settlements with the West Midlands and Greater Manchester Combined Authorities.

What steps he is taking to ensure that Scotland is supported through the commitments made in the Hamburg Declaration and its associated Action Plan.

The Secretary of State signed a clean energy security agreement, the Hamburg Declaration, with European energy ministers at the North Sea Summit to progress build out of renewable energy in the North Sea and incentivise further investment. Scotland is at the very heart of our Clean Energy Superpower mission. And in preparation for the North Sea Summit, the Department has engaged with UK industry, including Scottish companies, who have also attended the Summit. Officials regularly engage with and involve the Scottish Government in all relevant work related to the Hamburg Declaration and associated documents.

What his planned timetable is for a decision on the approval of the Jackdaw oil field.

The Secretary of State will be making a decision as to whether or not to agree to the grant of consent in due course.

What is his timeline to determine the Rosebank oil field application.

The Secretary of State will be making a decision as to whether or not to agree to the grant of consent in due course.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of Ming Yang opening a wind turbine manufacturing plant in the UK on energy security.

We cannot comment on individual investment cases, but maintaining a secure energy supply is a key priority for the UK Government. Investment into the energy sector is subject to the highest levels of national security scrutiny, and we will continue to work closely with industry to build secure supply chains and ensure the UK remains one of the most attractive investment destinations in the world.

What discussions he has had with the North Sea Transition Authority on the purchase of eleven Shell-operated gas fields by Viaro Energy in the Southern North Sea.

Details of Ministers’ meetings with external individuals and organisations are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK.

What discussions he has had with the North Sea Transition Authority on Shell and ExxonMobil’s divestments in the North Sea.

Details of Ministers’ meetings with external individuals and organisations are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK.

What discussions he has had on the continued purchase of crude oil stocks not already held at the Prax Lindsey oil refinery site to allow the refinery to continue operating.

The Official Receiver (OR) decided to cease refining operations at Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery on 21 July 2025. However, the sales process continued to be run in parallel, and the OR has received a range of proposals - from specific asset acquisition to acquisition of the entire Immingham site to purchasing the refinery as a going concern. The OR has progressed a small number of parties to the next phase of the sales process. This is based on an assessment of their proposals with regard to providing the best outcome for the Company’s creditors in line with the liquidator’s statutory duties. The OR aims to conclude negotiations with interested parties by mid-October. The Government is providing the OR with short-term funding to cover the essential operating costs of the site. The final operating cost will depend on market conditions and the strategy adopted by the OR. Parliament will be kept informed of the associated costs through the usual budgetary and reporting mechanisms. Ministers have held several meetings with the OR since the insolvency was announced. Insolvency legislation clearly determines the actions that are undertaken by the liquidator, which is the OR. The OR must act independent of Government, in accordance with statute, and they are accountable to the court. As an independent office holder, the OR cannot be directed by Government.

How much was paid for crude oil stocks to allow the Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery to continue operating.

The Official Receiver (OR) decided to cease refining operations at Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery on 21 July 2025. However, the sales process continued to be run in parallel, and the OR has received a range of proposals - from specific asset acquisition to acquisition of the entire Immingham site to purchasing the refinery as a going concern. The OR has progressed a small number of parties to the next phase of the sales process. This is based on an assessment of their proposals with regard to providing the best outcome for the Company’s creditors in line with the liquidator’s statutory duties. The OR aims to conclude negotiations with interested parties by mid-October. The Government is providing the OR with short-term funding to cover the essential operating costs of the site. The final operating cost will depend on market conditions and the strategy adopted by the OR. Parliament will be kept informed of the associated costs through the usual budgetary and reporting mechanisms. Ministers have held several meetings with the OR since the insolvency was announced. Insolvency legislation clearly determines the actions that are undertaken by the liquidator, which is the OR. The OR must act independent of Government, in accordance with statute, and they are accountable to the court. As an independent office holder, the OR cannot be directed by Government.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of extending the period to find a buyer for the Prax Lindsey oil refinery.

The Official Receiver (OR) decided to cease refining operations at Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery on 21 July 2025. However, the sales process continued to be run in parallel, and the OR has received a range of proposals - from specific asset acquisition to acquisition of the entire Immingham site to purchasing the refinery as a going concern. The OR has progressed a small number of parties to the next phase of the sales process. This is based on an assessment of their proposals with regard to providing the best outcome for the Company’s creditors in line with the liquidator’s statutory duties. The OR aims to conclude negotiations with interested parties by mid-October. The Government is providing the OR with short-term funding to cover the essential operating costs of the site. The final operating cost will depend on market conditions and the strategy adopted by the OR. Parliament will be kept informed of the associated costs through the usual budgetary and reporting mechanisms. Ministers have held several meetings with the OR since the insolvency was announced. Insolvency legislation clearly determines the actions that are undertaken by the liquidator, which is the OR. The OR must act independent of Government, in accordance with statute, and they are accountable to the court. As an independent office holder, the OR cannot be directed by Government.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the closure of the Prax Lindsey oil refinery on the domestic price of (a) diesel, (b) aviation fuel, and (c) heating oil for off-grid homes.

The Government continually monitors fuel supplies across the country and has robust, tried and tested plans in place to ensure these supplies are maintained at all times. We continue to work closely with industry to monitor the situation. The prices of fuel are influenced by (i) fluctuations in crude oil prices and (ii) refining margins, both of which are affected by global market conditions. We do not expect the closure of Prax Lindsey oil refinery to impact prices.

Whether he has had discussions with the Official Receiver on the inability to find a buyer for the Prax Lindsey oil refinery.

The Official Receiver (OR) decided to cease refining operations at Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery on 21 July 2025. However, the sales process continued to be run in parallel, and the OR has received a range of proposals - from specific asset acquisition to acquisition of the entire Immingham site to purchasing the refinery as a going concern. The OR has progressed a small number of parties to the next phase of the sales process. This is based on an assessment of their proposals with regard to providing the best outcome for the Company’s creditors in line with the liquidator’s statutory duties. The OR aims to conclude negotiations with interested parties by mid-October. The Government is providing the OR with short-term funding to cover the essential operating costs of the site. The final operating cost will depend on market conditions and the strategy adopted by the OR. Parliament will be kept informed of the associated costs through the usual budgetary and reporting mechanisms. Ministers have held several meetings with the OR since the insolvency was announced. Insolvency legislation clearly determines the actions that are undertaken by the liquidator, which is the OR. The OR must act independent of Government, in accordance with statute, and they are accountable to the court. As an independent office holder, the OR cannot be directed by Government.