Written questions by Williamson.

Whether his Department plans to require solar farm developers to utilise bonds in order to cover the costs of decommissioning.

We do not currently have plans to require solar and battery projects to be covered by decommissioning bonds. Solar farms are normally temporary structures and planning conditions can be used to ensure that the installations are removed when no longer in use and the land is restored to its previous use. Solar panels can be decommissioned relatively easily and cheaply. It is a legal requirement for any company that imports, manufactures or rebrands solar products to join a ‘Producer Compliance Scheme’, which then ensures their legal obligations are met, most significantly for the collection and recycling of old PV panels.

What assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the alleged use of slave labour within the supply chains for solar panels.

The Government is determined to eradicate forced labour in global supply chains, including in the manufacture of solar panels. Legislation and guidance are already in place to help businesses take action against modern slavery. However, we are working across government to see where we can go further, keeping all potential policy options under review. We are monitoring closely the industry-led supply chain assurance scheme, the Solar Stewardship Initiative. Further information on the actions needed to develop supply chains that are resilient and free from forced labour will be set out in the Solar Roadmap, to be published in Spring 2025.

What is the estimated carbon footprint of his recent visit to Washington DC.

All Ministerial travel is subject to an assessment of the value of the engagement against a number of factors, including the mode of travel.

If he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the carbon capture, utilisation and storage scheme on energy bills.

Track 1 projects are expected to be funded through a mixture of levy and exchequer funding. We expect levy funded projects to become operational from late 2028. The exact split of levy and exchequer funding across Track 1 will be determined in due course and is subject to further negotiation, consultation, and statutory processes. DESNZ will consider potential impacts on energy bills as part of the statutory processes for drawing down on any other new or existing levies that may further support CCUS Track-1.

What proportion of funding for the carbon capture, utilisation and storage scheme will be raised by a levy on energy bills from 2029 onwards.

Track 1 projects are expected to be funded through a mixture of levy and exchequer funding. We expect levy funded projects to become operational from late 2028. The exact split of levy and exchequer funding across Track 1 will be determined in due course and is subject to further negotiation, consultation, and statutory processes. DESNZ will consider potential impacts on energy bills as part of the statutory processes for drawing down on any other new or existing levies that may further support CCUS Track-1.