Written questions by Campbell.

What steps his Department is taking to invest in Geothermal energy.

Awaiting answer.

What analysis his Department has undertaken of the geographic suitability of locations in the UK for investment in geothermal energy; and what potential has been identified for such investment in (a) the UK, (b) the Midlands and (c) Broxtowe.

Awaiting answer.

What steps his Department is taking to extend the length of time that wind turbines may remain in operation.

Awaiting answer.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure that decommissioned wind turbine blades are able to be recycled.

Awaiting answer.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of releasing the investment reserve for British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme pensions to its members.

The then Minister for Industry (Sarah Jones) met the BCSSS Trustees on 22 April, 11 June and 22 July and confirmed the Government’s commitment to considering their proposals regarding the reserve and the future of the scheme. DESNZ will now engage HM Treasury with a view to agreeing a way forward on the transfer of the reserve to members. The Government is aiming to reach agreement on an outcome that can be implemented later this year which will benefit scheme members.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of current EPC rating assessment criteria on landlords' ability to meet those criteria.

The Government is reforming Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), including the current EPC rating assessment criteria and the methodology that underpins this, with new and amended metrics due to be introduced for domestic buildings under the Home Energy Model (HEM). More information, including the consultation stage impact assessment, can be found in the consultation ‘Reforms to the Energy Performance of Buildings regime’ on gov.uk.

What steps his Department is taking to support disabled households with additional energy costs from (a) medical equipment and (b) home adaptions.

The Government knows that more needs to be done to support vulnerable households which are struggling with bills whilst we transition to clean power, particularly those where energy costs are high out of medical necessity. The Department’s Warm Home Discount (WHD) provides a £150 rebate off winter energy bills for eligible low-income households. On 25 February, we published a consultation on the expansion of the Warm Home Discount, giving more eligible households £150 off their energy bills. These proposals would bring around 2.7 million households into the scheme – pushing the total number of households that would receive the discount next winter up to around 6 million. The Warm Home Discount regulations expire in 2026, and we will want to consider all options for future bill support beyond this point. In the interim, I appreciate that one of the biggest practical barriers to providing help to households that need it, is the availability of the right data to target financial support and advice. The Department is working closely with other government departments to unlock the data that will enable us to target support more effectively to those who need help with their energy bills.

Whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential of abandoned coal mine sites in the East Midlands for producing low cost and sustainable geothermal energy.

To achieve net zero at lowest cost, the UK must look at how to accelerate all low carbon technologies including geothermal. The mine water from coal mines shows good potential as a renewable source for heat networks. The government is therefore supporting mine water schemes at Gateshead and Seaham Garden Village through the Heat Network Investment Project and the Green Heat Network Fund. Whilst no specific assessment has been made of the East Midlands potential the Northeast Local Enterprise Partnership published a report in 2021, supported by the Midlands Energy Hub, assessing options to increase deployment and the Mining Remediation Authority has released opportunity maps.

Whether his Department plans to utilise abandoned coal mines for the benefit of communities in (a) Broxtowe and (b) the East Midlands.

The Mining Remediation Authority are seeking alternative ways to maximise opportunities from closed and abandoned mines across former coal field communities.

Whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential uses of abandoned coal mine sites in Broxtowe for sustainability projects.

The Mining Remediation Authority are seeking alternative ways to maximise opportunities from closed and abandoned mines across former coal field communities.