Every parliamentary written question tabled by John Hayes this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 41–60 of 89 · Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
If he will ban solar radiation management technologies.
The Government position is that it is not deploying solar radiation management technologies and has no plans in place to do so. The government is not in favour of using Solar Radiation Modification.
Whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of the Grimsby to Walpole pylon project on (a) farm and (b) wild animals on the route.
Developers of the Grimsby to Walpole project, like all nationally significant infrastructure projects in England and Wales, are required to assess the impacts of their proposals. This includes conducting assessments of the project's potential effects on the environment, including farmland and wild animals, through Environmental Impact Assessments and Habitats Regulations Assessments. Developers also engage with statutory and non-statutory stakeholders, including farmers and environmental organisations, through consultations to ensure their feedback is considered and incorporated into project proposals. The government does not make assessments for specific projects until they come to the Secretary of State for a final planning decision.
What steps he is taking to increase the number of apprenticeship starts in his Department.
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero will shortly launch a Talent Strategy in which apprenticeships play a central role in building the delivery capability DESNZ needs to be a mission-focused department. The department has a well-established apprenticeship offer, with around 84 apprentices currently in post. As part of the Talent Strategy, we will increase the range and number of apprenticeships we offer by: launching a social mobility apprenticeship programme, focused on supporting actively unemployed individuals into employment through apprenticeshipsincreasing opportunities for school leavers, including participating in the new Careers Launch Apprenticeship programmeexpanding the apprenticeship offer by procuring new contracts in priority capability areas The Department has a core apprenticeship offer available to all staff and continues to onboard apprentices through centralised programmes run by the Civil Service Apprenticeship Unit and other initiatives. DESNZ is committed to creating early career opportunities for both current and new apprentices.
What estimate his Department has made of the level of investment by Chinese firms in the UK energy sector in the next ten years.
We work very closely with industry and across government to maintain a detailed picture of foreign involvement in energy infrastructure. Foreign involvement in energy infrastructure undergoes the highest levels of scrutiny, with my department working across government to monitor and guard against any potential security risks in the energy sector and its supply chain. As stated in the Integrated Review Refresh, a positive trading relationship benefits both the UK and China, and we continue to recognise the importance of trade and investment from China where it is safe, reciprocal and mutually beneficial.
Whether his Department has made an estimate of the projected carbon emissions resulting from steel imports in the next three years.
The Department estimates future greenhouse gas emissions (including carbon dioxide) on a territorial basis, meaning emissions that occur within UK borders. This is the approach required by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the UK’s Climate Change Act 2008. The latest estimate is published here: Energy and emissions projections - GOV.UK. Defra publishes consumption-based emissions statistics, calculated by the University of Leeds, which include emissions associated with imported goods and services. This can be found here: Carbon footprint for the UK and England to 2021 - GOV.UK.
Whether Ofgem has offered apprenticeships in each year since 2010.
The Civil Service is committed to using apprenticeships to break down barriers to opportunity, support skills development and deliver more effective public services.Ofgem gives access to the apprenticeship levy for professional qualifications, and this has been available for existing employees since the levy was introduced.Ofgem has made use of the apprenticeship levy in its workforce since 2017 and recruitment data, where available, has been provided below in Ofgem’s annual reports and accounts: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/about-us/ofgem-annual-reports.
Whether his Department has held discussions with representatives of Heathrow Airport on energy infrastructure for the airport in the last three years.
Details of Ministers' and Permanent Secretaries' meetings with external individuals and organisations are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK.
With reference to his Department's press release entitled Households near new pylons to save hundreds on energy bills, published on 10 March 2025, whether the Grimsby to Walpole Grid Upgrade will be in scope; and how many (a) households and (b) landowners will receive financial support along the route.
The bill discount scheme will apply to eligible domestic properties and is planned to go live from 2026 once regulations have been laid, when Parliamentary time allows. Eligibility will be set out in regulations, but our aim is that major new transmission projects needed for 2030 will be eligible. Further impact analysis will be conducted prior to scheme introduction. The Government has also published community funds guidance, which could apply to transmission projects yet to start construction. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/electricity-transmission-infrastructure-proposed-bill-discount-schemehttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/electricity-transmission-network-infrastructure-community-funds
If (a) his Department and (b) Ofgem will make an estimate of the cost of the construction of (i) National Grid's proposed Grimsby to Walpole pylon scheme and (ii) alternative schemes to transmitting electricity on the route including underground cabling.
The Department cannot comment on specific projects which will come before the Secretary of State for a final planning decision. It is the responsibility of the developers of electricity network projects – in this case National Grid Electricity Transmission - to propose a route and obtain planning permission for that route. Ofgem reviews proposed project costs and ensures that network companies spend efficiently, protecting consumers from unduly high costs. In general, undergrounding costs an estimated 5 to 10 times more than overhead lines. The cost of building this infrastructure is borne by electricity bill payers so it is key we keep costs down.
How many households used the radio teleswitch service for their energy meter connections in Lincolnshire in the latest period for which data is available.
The Department does not hold unitary authority or county level data on the number of remaining RTS meters. However, we are regularly engaging with energy suppliers, Ofgem and the industry body Energy UK to review local plans for the switch-off. Energy suppliers have contacted all premises with RTS meters and Ofgem is encouraging customers to book an appointment to ensure they are provided with a replacement meter ahead of the switch-off.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of Great British Energy on household energy bills in (a) South Holland and the Deepings constituency and (b) Lincolnshire.
In an unstable world, the only way to guarantee energy security and protect billpayers is to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels. That is why government has a mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower. We have a sustainable, long-term plan to protect all UK billpayers, including households in South Hollands and the Deepings, and in Lincolnshire more widely, from volatile international gas markets. Backed by £8.3 billion, Great British Energy is part of this plan, driving the deployment of the clean, homegrown energy we need to boost our energy independence. As a publicly-owned company, Great British Energy will ensure UK taxpayers, billpayers, and communities reap the benefits of this.
What proportion of food procured by his Department is sourced in the UK.
The Department is a customer of the Government Property Agency (GPA). GPA is the landlord or building manager at the Department’s office occupations, where the space is often shared with several other tenant organisations. The Department buys catering services, or a share of, from GPA alongside all other building services. This information is therefore not held by the Department.
What the cost to the public purse was of expenditure by Ofgem on consulting services in each of the last three years.
Ofgem is an independent regulator and while DESNZ works closely Ofgem, it is directly accountable to Parliament for its performance.Ofgem’s expenditure on other consultancy services for the past three years was:• 2023-24: £18.8m• 2022-23: £29.6m• 2021-22: £23.4mOfgem attempts to minimise its reliance on external support by running targeted recruitment for the skills required to deliver its functions. Information on Ofgem’s expenditure is available in its annual reports (https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/about-us/ofgem-annual-reports).
What estimate he has made of the number of off-grid properties in (a) South Holland and the Deepings constituency and (b) Lincolnshire that will receive the Warm Homes local grant.
The Warm Homes: Local Grant will deliver upgrades to low-income homes both on and off the gas grid. Local Authorities (LAs) in receipt of the Grant will choose which homes to prioritise for upgrades, based on local needs and resident interest. LAs have submitted Expressions of Interest to participate in the Grant, which included non-binding indications of the proportion of off-gas grid properties to be treated. At the time of writing, LAs have not yet been allocated funding. Until allocations have been confirmed, we cannot estimate the number of off-gas grid properties that will benefit from the scheme.
For what purposes the UK Atomic Energy Authority has used artificial intelligence in the last 12 months.
The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) participates in the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Collaboration (RAICo) to accelerate deployment of robotics and AI in fusion engineering and nuclear decommissioning. Furthermore, to support the use of AI in fusion research, the first of the UK’s AI Growth Zones is proposed to be located at the headquarters of the UKAEA in Culham, Oxfordshire. AI will be critical in further developing fusion technology by processing complex calculations that will accelerate the R&D that is needed to make fusion a reality.
Whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of the proposed Grimsby to Walpole National Grid pylon project on house prices in affected areas in Lincolnshire.
The Government does not assess the impact of new transmission network infrastructure on house prices. However, landowners, businesses, and homeowners that have electrical equipment, such as pylons or towers, sited on their land have the right to compensation for the value of their land, as well as for any losses or expenses incurred. Acquiring authorities can also put in place discretionary schemes offering additional compensation.
For what purposes Ofgem has used AI in the last 12 months.
Ofgem is currently trialling applications of AI, though it is currently in the early stages of exploring the benefits, risks and appropriateness of AI. Ofgem adheres to the Government AI Principles. Trials initiated in the last 12 months include: Social media analysis for monitoring supplier performance and emerging trends in consumer experience.Identifying non-compliance with supplier licence conditions.Providing draft responses prior to human review, to consumer queries.Generating programming codePredicting the financial impact of non-compliance in Ofgem managed schemesSelecting targeted cases for audit to identify fraud across schemesUsing the Government Communication Service (GCS) Connect platform for GCS members, internal to Government
How many properties are not connected to the national (a) gas and (b) electricity grid in South Holland and The Deepings constituency.
The Department publishes estimates of the number of domestic properties not connected to the gas network in Great Britain by constituency. In 2023, an estimated 12,000 domestic properties (23%) in South Holland and The Deepings constituency were not connected to the gas network. Equivalent figures for the electricity network are not published.
If he will make it her policy to introduce Government-backed loans for (a) domestic, (b) community and (c) commercial rooftop solar panels.
As part of the Warm Homes Plan, the Government is considering the role that finance may play in supporting homeowners with the upfront costs of energy efficiency improvements, solar panels, and installing low carbon heating. Permitted development rights afford flexibilities and planning freedoms to new solar installations, whether residential, community or commercial. The Government also provides fiscal incentives to encourage businesses to install rooftop solar, through tax relief and business rate exemptions.
How much grade (a) one and (b) two farm land has been replaced by ground mounted solar in England in the last five years.
Data on the land occupied by solar projects is contained in the Renewable Energy Planning Database (REPD). The Government does not currently categorise the data based on land type. However, work is underway to expand the REPD to include this feature.