Written questions by Dewhirst.

What steps he is taking to ensure that (a) the fishing sector is consulted and (b) the views of that sector are reflected in the (i) planning and (ii) approval process for offshore wind developments.

The energy National Policy Statements (NPS) set out the consultation requirements for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs). Developers are required by the Planning Act 2008 to conduct consultation with interested parties on their proposals. The NPS for renewable energy infrastructure (EN-3) provides specific guidance regarding offshore wind developments and consultation with the fishing sector, requiring applicants to undertake dialogue with the fishing industry during the planning and design of individual offshore wind farm and associated transmission proposals. Applicants are directed to guidance on best practice for fisheries liaison, which has been jointly agreed by the renewables industry and fishing community.

What steps his Department is taking to improve the resilience of the electricity distribution network in (a) rural areas and (b) Kilham in the East Riding of Yorkshire.

Energy resilience is important, including in rural areas. We work with the energy industry, regulators and other stakeholders to continually improve and maintain the resilience of energy infrastructure. Great Britain has a highly resilient energy network, although disruptions can still occur. Network investments are funded by customers through network charges on their energy bills. Ofgem determine this funding through price controls accounting for a wide variety of factors. We are working with Ofgem to provide funding to Distribution Network Operators to improve the service experienced by those customers who receive the poorest levels of performance.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of full electrification on (a) fish and chip shops, (b) other businesses and (c) economic growth.

Fuel switching from fossil fuels to electricity has the potential to significantly reduce emissions, making a central contribution to our carbon budget commitments. Clean, homegrown energy is the best way to protect billpayers and boost Britain's energy independence. This will allow the UK to build an energy system that can bring down bills for households and businesses for good. Many electric technologies are more efficient than their gas counterparts, and therefore electrification has the potential to lower energy requirements for sites. The Government remains committed to supporting electrification and addressing the barriers to investment in electric technology. This includes further development of policy options to address the high cost of electricity relative to natural gas, and the implementation of planning reforms to speed up infrastructure development and unblock issues on grid connection delays. Taking the points specified in the hon Member’s question in turn: A) Fish & chip shops: Alongside the electrification of heating and cooling, a key approach for full electrification of a fish & chip shop could be switching from a gas fryer to an electric fryer. An electric fryer is more energy efficient and generally requires less maintenance than a gas fryer, but also tends to require higher upfront costs, and currently results in higher operating costs due to the higher price of electricity compared to gas. B) Businesses: For many businesses based in commercial units or offices, full electrification would require an electric source of heating and cooling, such as heat pumps or electric boilers. Heat pumps are highly efficient, reducing carbon emission significantly, and can provide both heating and cooling. As with the gas fryer, greater energy efficiency from heat pumps and electric boilers would reduce energy consumption, however upfront costs and operating costs are generally higher than gas alternatives. Some businesses with high temperature heat requirements, such as those involved in manufacturing, amy also require more specialised electrification technologies. C) Economic growth Electrification is the future for most UK industries, and brings with it a range of economic benefits. These include boosting the domestic supply chain, and supporting UK businesses to be more productive. Electrification will reduce the UK’s reliance on volatile fossil fuel prices, making the UK a more attractive place to do business leading to increased growth and jobs.At present, government provides grants of up to £7,500 for low carbon heating systems through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which are available to small commercial buildings.

Whether (a) fish and chip shops and (b) other catering businesses will be required to replace existing gas cooking equipment.

Fuel switching from fossil fuels to electricity has the potential to significantly reduce emissions, making a central contribution to our carbon budget commitments. Clean, homegrown energy is the best way to protect billpayers and boost Britain's energy independence. This will allow the UK to build an energy system that can bring down bills for households and businesses for good. Many electric technologies are more efficient than their gas counterparts, and therefore electrification has the potential to lower energy requirements for sites. The Government remains committed to supporting electrification and addressing the barriers to investment in electric technology. This includes further development of policy options to address the high cost of electricity relative to natural gas, and the implementation of planning reforms to speed up infrastructure development and unblock issues on grid connection delays.

If he will ask the Office for National Statistics to make an assessment of the potential impact of the purchase of the Wylfa power station site by Great British Nuclear on the public sector classification of the borrowing for that nuclear programme.

Great British Nuclear purchased the Wylfa site in 2024, which is recorded as an asset on the Government's balance sheet. As part of its SMR competition, GBN is negotiating with four shortlisted companies, with final decisions to be taken in the spring. No decisions have yet been taken on projects or sites.

What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the development of large-scale solar farms.

As outlined in the clean power action plan last week, solar power will be vital to meeting our mission and bringing down energy bills for good. Solar is one of the cheapest and most-readily available sources of energy we have, and whilst rooftop and other installations will play a role, we are clear that to protect families in the future, large scale solar will need to be built.

Pursuant to the Answer of 14 October 2024 to Question 7000 on Department for Energy Security and Net Zero: Official Cars, what proportion of journeys taken in a shared vehicle from the Government Car Service by (a) him and (b) Ministers in his Department were in an electric car in the latest month for which information is available.

The Government Car service (GCS) provides vehicles to a number of Government departments. Due to logistical and operational reasons the type of vehicles deployed at each department can vary on a daily or weekly basis. The vehicle fuel type can vary depending on which car has been allocated to cover on that day. Generally, the cars are electric or hybrid.

Pursuant to the Answer of 14 October 2024 to Question 7001 on Department for Energy Security and Net Zero: Official Cars, which specific senior officials in his Department have use of the two cars; and whether those senior officials had access to a Government car before the 2024 general election.

The two official cars DESNZ currently contracts with the Government Car Service are and have been for the use of Ministers.

What meetings (a) Ministers and (b) his officials have held with external stakeholders since 5 July 2024.

Details of Ministers’ and Permanent Secretaries' meetings with external individuals and organisations are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK. Published declarations include the purpose of the meeting and the names of any additional external organisations or individuals in attendance.

What his Department's policy is on the allocation of Government Car Service cars to senior officials; what the policy was on 24 May 2024; and which senior officials have been granted access to the service since 4 July 2024.

DESNZ contracts with the Government Car Service for the provision of two cars for the use of Ministers. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/government-car-service

Pursuant to the Answer of 6 September 2024 to Questions 2306 and 2308 on Ministers: Official Cars, which (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department have (i) been allocated a dedicated vehicle and (ii) access to use of a shared vehicle from the Government Car Service; what the (A) make, (B) model and (C) fuel type of each car is; and what the budget for those cars was in the 2024-25 financial year.

DESNZ contracts with the Government Car Service for the provision of two cars for the use of Ministers. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/government-car-service Due to logistical and operational reasons the type of vehicles deployed can vary on a daily or weekly basis. The budget allocation for the 2024-25 financial year is £288,000.