Written questions by Tapp.

Whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of using disused mine shafts for clean energy creation using heat pump technology in Dover and Deal constituency.

To achieve net zero at lowest cost, we 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. No specific assessment has been made in Dover and Deal and although the Mining Remediation Authority has released opportunity maps for Wales and ten UK cities these do not cover this area.

If his Department will take steps to ensure the Port of Dover has sufficient energy supply to the Port to implement electric ferry charging points.

The Government published the Maritime Decarbonisation Strategy on 25 March, which outlines domestic goals and commitments to decarbonise maritime transport, and a call for evidence on Net Zero Ports was launched to assess future energy demand at ports like Dover. More broadly, the Government is working with Ofgem to ensure their price controls support necessary investment in the electricity network for the clean energy and growth missions, including maritime transport electrification. The next distribution price control, RIIO-ED3 covering 2028 to 2033, which will be informed by Regional Energy Strategic Plans to support strategic network investments.