Written questions by McVey.

What consideration he has given to the importing of CO2 from international sources for the Peak Cluster project.

It has not proved possible to respond to the Rt hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Of the jobs created by the Peak Cluster project, how may of these will be a) permanent, b) temporary, c) local and d) UK jobs.

It has not proved possible to respond to the Rt hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

How much cement will be used to build the Peak Cluster project, including the pipeline, onshore storage facility, pipeline to the sea, in-sea storage facility and any other associated construction work.

It has not proved possible to respond to the Rt hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

What the estimated carbon emissions are from the full Peak Cluster project.

It has not proved possible to respond to the Rt hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

How many staff network events took place in his Department in May 2025; and what the names of those events were.

DESNZ values our Staff Networks, who support colleagues in line with our ‘Inclusive’ Value. The following two Staff Network events took place in May 2025: ‘A listening circle for Trans* colleagues and allies’ and ‘Managing Pain and Fatigue at Work and Beyond’.

Whether his Department has updated guidance on the use of single-sex facilities in response to the Supreme Court judgement in the case of For Women Scotland v The Scottish Ministers of 16 April 2025.

We will review and update policy wherever necessary to ensure it complies with the latest legal requirements. We aim to ensure appropriate facilities are available for all staff.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of solar radiation modification technologies on the atmosphere.

Given the significant uncertainty around the possible risks and impacts of deployment on the climate and environment, the Government is not deploying SRM and has no plans to do so.

What information his Department holds on the number of public sector projects contracted by his Department that have had cost overruns due to mandatory net zero requirements since 5 July 2024.

This information is not held centrally and can only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the transition to net zero on energy security.

Switching to homegrown clean energy, including renewables and other clean technologies, offers security that fossil fuels simply cannot provide. The Government recognises the challenges in moving away from fossil fuels but the only way to ensure energy se...

What assessment he has made of the potential risks that the transition to net zero poses to (a) households and (b) businesses.

The transition to net zero will be an incredible opportunity for jobs and growth all across the country. As the OBR has noted in its July 2021 Fiscal Risks Report, “the costs of failing to get climate change under control would be much larger than those o...

Which companies have applied to operate a small modular reactor.

I understand the Right Honourable Member is asking about small modular reactor technology vendors down-selected to negotiate with Great British Nuclear as part of its ongoing competition. The vendors are: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy International LLC; Holte...

When recent estimate his Department has made of when small modular reactors will be operational.

The Government is committed to ensuring 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 g...

What plans he has to invest in tidal power.

The UK possesses tremendous tidal resource and could play a role in balancing the intermittency of wind and solar generation as we transition towards a carbon-neutral power sector. The UK remains the world leader in tidal stream generation technologies, w...

Whether he plans to produce a feasibility study on tidal power.

The UK possesses tremendous tidal resource and could play a role in balancing the intermittency of wind and solar generation as we transition towards clean power. The UK remains the world leader in tidal stream generation technologies, with around half of...

What types of jobs Great British Energy will create; and where those jobs will be (a) in the North west and (b) nationally.

Great British Energy will create thousands of jobs and build supply chains across the UK, including at its future head office in Scotland. Its investments will support companies across the energy industry, providing opportunities for high quality, well-paid work. We already see the diversity of projects across the UK – from wind turbine construction in Teesside and Merseyside, to nuclear power in Suffolk, tidal projects in Scotland, hydropower in Wales, solar farms in Wiltshire and offshore wind in Belfast. Every part of the UK has a role to play in delivering energy security and transition to clean power by 2030.

What plans he has to help reduce household energy bills; and when those plans will come into effect.

The Government believes that the only way to guarantee our energy security and protect billpayers permanently is to speed up the transition away from fossil fuels and towards homegrown clean energy. The creation of Great British Energy will help us to harness clean energy and have less reliance on foreign, volatile energy markets, and help in our commitment to produce all of the UK's energy from clean power sources by 2030. In the short-term, we will continue to deliver the Warm Home Discount which provides a £150 annual rebate on energy bills for eligible low-income households. We will also invest an extra £6.6 billion in energy efficiency funding over this Parliament to upgrade 5 million homes and cut bills for families.