Written questions by Stainbank.

If he will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a renewable liquid heating fuel obligation for off-grid heating fuel suppliers.

As sustainable biomass is a limited resource, the Government expect to prioritise its use in sectors like aviation, which have fewest options to decarbonise. Renewable liquid heating fuels are also much more expensive to use than other heating solutions. Before taking decisions on whether to support the use of renewable liquid fuels in heating, the Government would require stronger evidence on their affordability for consumers, and the availability of sustainable feedstock.

What his Department's timetable is for bringing section 159 of the Energy Act 2023 into force.

As sustainable biomass is a limited resource, the Government expect to prioritise its use in sectors like aviation, which have fewest options to decarbonise. Renewable liquid heating fuels are also much more expensive to use than other heating solutions. Before taking decisions on whether to support the use of renewable liquid fuels in heating, the Government would require stronger evidence on their affordability for consumers, and the availability of sustainable feedstock.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of using (a) debt and (b) equity from the National Wealth Fund to develop a business case for investment in Project Willow.

Before July, there was no overall plan for the future of the Grangemouth refinery. Within weeks, we worked with the Scottish Government to put together a £100m package to support the community and invest in the local workforce, along with tailored support to secure good, alternative jobs. We launched Project Willow to find an industrial future for the site – identifying nine low-carbon and renewable energy business models that could create 800 jobs by 2040. We are ready to take these forward as co-investment projects with the private sector. Backed by £200 million from the National Wealth Fund, our investment agencies are working to find investors for these proposals and other low carbon and clean energy proposals in the Grangemouth area. After the refinery closes, Grangemouth will supply Scotland with imported fuel. We have rigorously assessed Petroineos’ import terminal model to ensure it will provide energy security and resilience for Scotland, and we will continue monitoring to ensure long term confidence for Scottish consumers and businesses.

What discussions he had with the Scottish Government on the future of Grangemouth oil refinery prior to September 2024.

As per my answer on 8 October 2024, since taking office in July 2024, the Secretary of State and I have taken joint action with the Scottish Government to urgently engage with the company and its shareholders. This included discussions with PetroChina and INEOS, the shareholders. Details of Ministers’ 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 assessment he has made of the potential impact of the closure of Grangemouth oil refinery on national security.

Before July, there was no overall plan for the future of the Grangemouth refinery. Within weeks, we worked with the Scottish Government to put together a £100m package to support the community and invest in the local workforce, along with tailored support to secure good, alternative jobs. We launched Project Willow to find an industrial future for the site – identifying nine low-carbon and renewable energy business models that could create 800 jobs by 2040. We are ready to take these forward as co-investment projects with the private sector. Backed by £200 million from the National Wealth Fund, our investment agencies are working to find investors for these proposals and other low carbon and clean energy proposals in the Grangemouth area. After the refinery closes, Grangemouth will supply Scotland with imported fuel. We have rigorously assessed Petroineos’ import terminal model to ensure it will provide energy security and resilience for Scotland, and we will continue monitoring to ensure long term confidence for Scottish consumers and businesses.

What recent discussions his Department has had with the Grangemouth future industry board.

As per my answer on 8 October 2024, since taking office in July 2024, the Secretary of State and I have taken joint action with the Scottish Government to urgently engage with the company and its shareholders. This included discussions with PetroChina and INEOS, the shareholders. Details of Ministers’ 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.

How many meetings were held between Petroineos and the UK Government on the future of Grangemouth oil refinery between December 2019 and September 2024.

As per my answer on 8 October 2024, since taking office in July 2024, the Secretary of State and I have taken joint action with the Scottish Government to urgently engage with the company and its shareholders. This included discussions with PetroChina and INEOS, the shareholders. Details of Ministers’ 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 assessment he has made of the potential merits of the Government taking a transitional stake in the Grangemouth oil refinery.

Before July, there was no overall plan for the future of the Grangemouth refinery. Within weeks, we worked with the Scottish Government to put together a £100m package to support the community and invest in the local workforce, along with tailored support to secure good, alternative jobs. We launched Project Willow to find an industrial future for the site – identifying nine low-carbon and renewable energy business models that could create 800 jobs by 2040. We are ready to take these forward as co-investment projects with the private sector. Backed by £200 million from the National Wealth Fund, our investment agencies are working to find investors for these proposals and other low carbon and clean energy proposals in the Grangemouth area. After the refinery closes, Grangemouth will supply Scotland with imported fuel. We have rigorously assessed Petroineos’ import terminal model to ensure it will provide energy security and resilience for Scotland, and we will continue monitoring to ensure long term confidence for Scottish consumers and businesses.

What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the release of the investment reserve of the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme to its trustees.

I met with the Chair and Trustee representatives of the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme (BCSSS) on 16 December where they outlined their proposals for changes to the Scheme. We will work with the BCSSS Trustees to consider their proposals once the new Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme arrangements have been agreed.

When she plans to meet the trustees of the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme.

I met with the Chair and Trustee representatives of the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme (BCSSS) on 16 December where they outlined their proposals for changes to the Scheme. We will work with the BCSSS Trustees to consider their proposals once the new Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme arrangements have been agreed.

What steps his Department is taking to help increase the number of jobs in the renewable energy sector.

The Government is committed to creating good clean energy jobs through the multitude of investments being made to support our mission to make the UK a clean energy superpower such as Great British Energy, the British Jobs Bonus, and boosting support for o...