Written questions by Vickers.

What recent discussions his Department has had with (a) Norwegian authorities and (b) other international partners on the UK’s access to the Northern Lights carbon capture and storage project; and what recent discussions his Department has had with the London Protocol on the non-pipeline transport of carbon dioxide for offshore storage.

The Government regularly engages with European nations, including Norway, and with international partners on developments in the carbon capture, usage and storage (CCUS) industry, but has not specifically discussed access to the Northern Lights project. The UK has one of the largest potential CO2 storage capacities in Europe. We have an opportunity to offer CO2 storage services to neighbouring countries, providing new growth opportunities and supporting regional decarbonisation. The UK has applied a 2009 Amendment to the London Protocol allowing us to enter into bilateral agreements or arrangements with third countries for cross-border transport of CO2 for permanent geological storage.

If he will make an assessment of the potential merits of increasing imports of renewable energy.

In 2023, imports via interconnectors provided 10.2% of gross UK electricity supply, highlighting the key role that they already play. Imports via interconnectors can provide access to lower-cost electricity for GB consumers, reduce the need to dispatch higher carbon domestic generation during peak times, and enhance our security of supply. We expect interconnectors to continue to be an important component of our future decarbonised electricity system. Ofgem are responsible for taking regulatory decisions for new interconnector projects. Their draft analysis for projects being assessed as part of the current regulatory window can be found at: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/energy-policy-and-regulation/policy-and-regulatory-programmes/interconnectors

If he will make an estimate of the cost to the public purse of meeting the 6GW green hydrogen production target by using local electrolysis; and if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of using (a) green hydrogen production from ammonia and (b) other technologies to meet this target.

Government supports multiple hydrogen production pathways that meet our Low Carbon Hydrogen Standard and funding eligibility criteria. These are reviewed regularly. The Energy Act 2023 enables support for hydrogen production via Government funding or a levy. We will provide an update on the funding arrangements for the hydrogen programme in due course. Funding decisions will take into account affordability and value for money.