Speeches by Reader.

“The challenge is also that you need grid connection. I imagine this is not in the NESO plan, so we are going to have all sorts of challenges around that. I just wanted to clarify that, because this is a great thing we could do, but we are talking about 15 years’ time, in which case the workforce challenges and capacity…”

“In your recommendations as a commission, you said that Treasury needs to expand the application of funding and financing frameworks based on the model. What changes do you think you need to see from Treasury?”

“I just wanted to clarify that.”

“It probably does a little bit. One way of dealing with habitat regulations could be the Planning and Infrastructure Bill and the ability to bypass regulations using the EDP process. Would that help speed up delivery or would that create environmental risk?”

“I just have a request for Sarah, if you would not mind writing back to us on how the 70% local content is calculated. That feels extremely high and optimistic, from my experience. Having delved into other major infrastructure projects recently that have very high local content, it is quite hard to substantiate. That fi…”

“The challenge is also that you need grid connection. I imagine this is not in the NESO plan, so we are going to have all sorts of challenges around that. I just wanted to clarify that, because this is a great thing we could do, but we are talking about 15 years’ time, in which case the workforce challenges and capacity…”

“Is the impact of construction works a limitation or is it not something we need to worry about?”

“Yes, that is fair. I have one final quick question. I will start with you, Sarah. Previous projects have not gone ahead because of environmental concerns over the construction of the projects and the impact that the construction would have. Would this scheme or even a demonstrator scheme have a similar limitation and r…”

“We can look at comparators, and Sizewell is a good example. The scheme has managed to restore an area of land to almost SSI levels to deal with mitigation on that scheme. Would this latest-case evidence of the ability to deal with mitigation give you confidence in what could be achieved on the Severn?”

“You could therefore get the clean energy that homes desperately need and people desperately need to reduce their energy bills.”

“It probably does a little bit. One way of dealing with habitat regulations could be the Planning and Infrastructure Bill and the ability to bypass regulations using the EDP process. Would that help speed up delivery or would that create environmental risk?”

“You would need to develop quite a comprehensive habitat regulations assessment. We have heard that there is still a lot of data missing. How do we avoid over-engineering a solution and the plan becoming another bat tunnel?”

“Building on the environmental matters, I will come on to habitat regulations specifically. Does the need to comply with habitat regulations present a significant barrier to development of tidal power in the Severn?”

“You would need to develop quite a comprehensive habitat regulations assessment. We have heard that there is still a lot of data missing. How do we avoid over-engineering a solution and the plan becoming another bat tunnel?”

“It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Sir Jeremy. This debate comes at a critical time, given the upcoming UK-EU summit. This summer we are at the pinch point of the trade triangle, with the trade strategy, the small business strategy and the industrial strategy coming forward to give British businesses ce…”

“My hon. Friend makes a fantastic point. A big thing that businesses make clear to me is that we have to approach this with humility. We also have to recognise the impact that Brexit has had on European businesses and the cost they face in trading with the UK. This is not a one-way issue; it impacts both ways, and it is…”

“My final question is on green power pools. We have heard they have an advantage of working over much wider geographical areas than local energy clubs, and with larger-scale renewables such as offshore wind. Do we need further action to develop that concept in the UK? If so, what would that action be?”

“When you say “they”, what do you mean by “they”? Who is asking you to provide those services? Is it local authorities or private contractors you are partnering with?”

“Good afternoon, everyone. We have just heard from the previous panel around power purchasing arrangements. I think some of you were sitting in the back when people were talking. We have seen some evidence particularly that the short-term nature of them does not always support community energy. How could the Government …”

“Benedict, would you like to add something?”