Written questions by Bowie.

What steps his Department is taking to construct grid connections for Sizewell C.

The policy position outlined in the National Energy System Operator (“NESO”) open letter [https://www.neso.energy/document/349496/download] (published 10th December 2024) indicates that, given Sizewell C received planning consent in July 2022, the existing arrangements for Sizewell C grid connection should be eligible to be grandfathered, subject to NESO’s proposals for reforming the connections process being approved by Ofgem and taking effect. National Grid Electricity Transmission has also confirmed that Sizewell C will retain the same enabling works identified in previous connection agreements (2007-2009).

What his planned timetable is for announcing Green Industries Growth Accelerator grants.

The Government recognises the need for strong, home-grown clean energy supply chains to support sustainable jobs and secure growth as we decarbonise our economy. As part of the of next year’s Industrial Strategy, the Government is developing plans, aligned with the multi-year Spending Review, for each of the key growth sectors, which include Clean Energy technologies. These sector plans will set out how Government and industry intend to achieve long-term growth through bespoke arrangements for each sector.

Whether his Department is taking steps to (a) invest in nuclear fusion and (b) expand the use of small modular nuclear reactors.

At the Autumn Budget the Government announced significant support in 2025-26 for UK fusion energy research, to build on the UK’s position as a global leader in fusion energy. On small modular reactors (SMRs), the government welcomes the opportunity for SMRs to play a wider role in Britain’s clean energy future. In addition to the SMR competition being delivered by Great British Nuclear, the government is considering responses on new uses of nuclear energy as part of the Alternative Routes to Market consultation for Advanced Nuclear Technologies and will publish a factual response in due course.

What steps his Department is taking to incorporate the judgement in UKSC 2022/0064 into the decision-making process for oil and gas licences.

The Supreme Court's Finch judgment relates to Environmental Impact Assessments associated with applications for development consent for offshore oil and gas projects that have already secured a licence. On 30 October the Government launched a consultation on guidance that will help developers understand how to account for the Court judgment when undertaking Environmental Impact Assessments associated with those consent applications. The consultation will close on 8 January and the Government aims to have the finalised guidance in place in the Spring.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the judgement in UKSC 2022/0064 on the remaining (a) oil and (b) gas licence applications made under the 33rd licensing round.

The Supreme Court's Finch judgment relates to Environmental Impact Assessments associated with applications for development consent for offshore oil and gas projects that have already secured a licence. On October 30th the Government launched a consultation on guidance that will help developers understand how to account for the Court judgment when undertaking Environmental Impact Assessments associated with those consent applications. The consultation will close on January 8th and the Government aims to have the finalised guidance in place in the Spring. The North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) has paused considering any further licences from the 33rd round pending the finalisation of the Government’s consultation process into the future of licensing.

What estimate his Department has made of the number of pending (a) oil and (b) gas licence applications delayed due to the judgement in UKSC 2022/0064.

The Government does not expect the Finch judgement to delay licence applications because it relates to Environmental Impact Assessments associated with applications for development consent for offshore oil and gas projects that have already secured a licence. The Government will consult later this year on the implementation of our manifesto position not to issue new oil and gas licences to explore new fields. The North Sea Transition Authority has paused considering any further licences from the 33rd round pending the finalisation of the Government’s consultation process into the future of licensing.

How many (a) oil and (b) gas licence applications made under the 33rd licensing round are yet to be determined.

The North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) has paused considering any further licences from the 33rd round pending the finalisation of the Governments consultation process into the future of licensing.

When his Department expects the North Sea Transition Authority to publish decisions on the remaining (a) oil and (b) gas licence applications made under the 33rd licensing round.

The North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) has paused considering any further licences from the 33rd round pending the finalisation of the Governments consultation process into the future of licensing.

What steps he is taking to support (a) advanced reactors, (b) nuclear fusion and (c) other innovation in nuclear technology.

Advanced Modular Reactors have the potential to help tackle hard-to-abate emissions in energy intensive industries. The Government continues to fund research and innovation to develop High Temperature Gas Reactor technology and their advanced fuels through the Advanced Nuclear Fund. The current programme is also providing funding to the UK’s nuclear regulators to ensure they can develop capabilities to regulate novel reactor types. The STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) is the UK’s flagship fusion programme, which aims to deliver a commercially viable fusion power plant prototype by the 2040s. The commercial process for the STEP powerplant is underway, we are investing in cutting-edge fusion research programmes and facilities and are implementing the UK’s proportionate regulatory framework to encourage investment.

Whether his Department holds information on the potential impact of electromagnetic fields from high-voltage electricity pylons on public health.

The National Policy Statement for electricity networks notes that all overhead power lines produce electromagnetic fields (EMF), and that Government policy is that exposure of the public to EMF from 275kV and 400kV lines should be limited to low levels in compliance with International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection guidelines (1998). Potential health effects associated with long-term low-level exposure to EMF have been extensively studied over recent decades and detrimental effects have not been found.

What steps he is taking to ensure that the UK has the (a) skills and (b) workforce to support the expansion of nuclear energy as part of the net-zero transition.

The Government is committed to ensuring that the UK nuclear industry has the necessary skills needed to deliver our nuclear ambitions. Recognising the need for urgent action, the nuclear sector across civil and defence are responding collaboratively to deliver sustained long-term action that will develop a robust nuclear skills base, including through the delivery of the National Nuclear Strategic Plan for Skills.

If he will make an estimate of the quantity and proportion of energy infrastructure that will be required to meet his solar power targets that will be sourced from Chinese companies.

Solar power is a mature technology with well-established and competitive global supply chains, with industrial-scale solar panel manufacturing mainly concentrated in Asia, the US and EU. We have relaunched the Solar Taskforce which will be focusing on identifying and taking forward the actions needed to develop resilient, sustainable and innovative solar supply chains, to support our ambition of radically increasing the UKs solar power capacity by 2030.

What steps he is taking to support (a) international climate commitments and (b) other global nuclear energy initiatives.

The Government is committed to restoring the UK’s global climate leadership, building on its mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower. We will work with countries to deliver on the Global Stocktake agreed at COP28. We intend to announce our own ambitious Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for 2035 at COP29, accelerate action through initiatives such as the Global Clean Power Alliance and push for an ambitious new global climate finance goal at COP29. The UK actively supports the safe and secure use of nuclear energy through our work at the International Atomic Energy Agency, Nuclear Energy Agency and International Energy Agency.

Whether his Department is taking steps to streamline regulatory approval processes for new nuclear projects.

The UK has an enabling, robust and rigorous energy regulatory regime. The Government is taking steps towards speeding up and streamlining the planning process and will continue to work with the regulators to understand the potential for additional streamlining or removing of duplication from the regulation of energy projects including new nuclear projects. Evidence received from the Alternative Routes to Market for New Nuclear Projects consultation will allow us to further explore how the existing nuclear regulatory framework can accommodate new technologies and new use-cases.

If he will make an assessment of the potential impact of trends in the level of reliance on China-owned companies for the supply of energy infrastructure on national security.

The Government will carry out an audit of the UK’s relationship with China as a bilateral and global actor, to improve our ability to understand and respond to the challenges and opportunities China poses.

If he will make an estimate of the quantity and proportion of energy infrastructure that will be required to meet his (a) onshore and (b) offshore power targets that will be sourced from Chinese companies.

This Government will take a consistent, long term and strategic approach to managing the UK’s relations with China. We will co-operate where we can, compete where we have different interests, and challenge where we must. Alongside efforts to de-risk our supply chains, we will therefore also continue to work with our international partners to manage the continued implications of overreliance on any one actor.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of deploying Small Modular Reactors on the Government's net-zero targets.

The government is clear that new nuclear power stations, such as Hinkley Point C, Sizewell C, and small modular reactors (SMRs), will play an important role in helping the UK achieve energy security and clean power while securing thousands of good, skilled jobs. Great British Nuclear (GBN), the government’s expert nuclear delivery body, is running an SMR technology selection process procurement. In September 2024, GBN concluded the initial tender phase of the procurement and down-selected to four companies. In the next stage of the process, bidders will be invited to enter negotiations with GBN.