Written questions by Timothy.

Whether his Department has identified the (a) location and (b) severity of capacity constraints in the energy distribution network.

Ofgem’s price control supports network reinforcement to enable Distribution Network Operators to increase network capacity where required. Ofgem has published analysis of current and future capacity constraints in its framework consultation for the next electricity distribution price control period, beginning in 2028.Ofgem will also promote data sharing and digitisation across DNOs to improve network visibility and reduce constraints. In 2026, National Energy System Operator will publish Regional Energy Strategic Plans (RESP). RESPs will support coordinated development of the distribution system and enable long-term investment in capacity to be made with confidence and ahead of need.

How much public investment has been directed to Sizewell C in each year since 2022.

The Government has announced funding provided to Sizewell C in the following financial years: £100m in 2021/22, £679m in 2022/23, £1,811m in 2023/24 and £1,200m in 2024/25 to date.

Whether an assessment has been made of the potential impact of expanding (a) onshore wind and (b) solar energy on the availability of agricultural land.

Current planning policies guide developments away from using Best and Most Versatile agricultural land where possible. Developers will submit information on land use and classification when seeking planning consent, and this information will be taken into account by decision makers. However, Government does not set a prescriptive approach and as such does not hold this information.

Which solar PV farm battery energy storage systems are deemed to be within an unsafe distance from a residential dwelling.

The Government has updated Planning Practice Guidance to encourage battery storage developers and local planning authorities to engage with local fire and rescue services, and for local planning authorities to refer to guidance published by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC). The NFCC’s current guidance proposes a minimum distance of 25 metres between grid-scale batteries and occupied buildings. The Department only considers consenting for solar projects over 50MW, and under this regime no solar PV farm battery has been consented which has been deemed an unsafe distance from a residential dwelling. Projects below 50MW are considered under the local planning regime.

Whether his Department is taking steps to mitigate against the risk of potential price increases in (a) offshore wind, (b) onshore wind, and (c) solar energy.

To protect against rising costs for clean energy supply chains the Government is working across the economy on specific clean power policy actions. These include exploring where international collaboration can support supply chains, including via trade agreements and international co-operation. The Government is further determined to work with other countries to diversify supply chains. To match the scale of the deployment challenge the Government will be driving an increase in capacity of our domestic clean energy workforce. As set out in the Clean Power Action Plan, the Government is also minded to implement a package of targeted reforms to the Contracts for Difference scheme, designed to secure the volumes of clean electricity we need at a competitive price.

Whether he has made an assessment of the adequacy of (a) police, (b) ambulance and (c) fire rescue services located near solar photovoltaic farm battery energy storage systems.

The Government has updated Planning Practice Guidance to encourage battery storage developers and local planning authorities to engage with local fire and rescue services, and for local planning authorities to refer to guidance published by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC). The NFCC’s current guidance proposes a minimum distance of 25 metres between grid-scale batteries and occupied buildings. The Department only considers consenting for solar projects over 50MW, and under this regime no solar PV farm battery has been consented which has been deemed an unsafe distance from a residential dwelling. Projects below 50MW are considered under the local planning regime.

Whether his Department has made a determination of the recommended safe distance between residential dwellings and solar PV farm battery energy storage systems.

The Government has updated Planning Practice Guidance to encourage battery storage developers and local planning authorities to engage with local fire and rescue services, and for local planning authorities to refer to guidance published by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC). The NFCC’s current guidance proposes a minimum distance of 25 metres between grid-scale batteries and occupied buildings. The Department only considers consenting for solar projects over 50MW, and under this regime no solar PV farm battery has been consented which has been deemed an unsafe distance from a residential dwelling. Projects below 50MW are considered under the local planning regime.

What steps his Department has taken to identify the (a) location and (b) severity of capacity constraints in the energy transmission network.

National Energy System Operator (NESO) is responsible for strategic network planning of transmission infrastructure. NESO considers the network design objectives of economic efficiency, deliverability and operability, environmental impacts, and community impacts when making recommendations for infrastructure. Recommendations were previously based on NESO’s Network Options Assessment which considered network constraints in its analysis. In future recommendations will be based on NESO’s Future Energy Pathways, which includes modelling of energy supply and demand considering network capacity constraints, and the forthcoming Strategic Spatial Energy Plan.

Whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of expanding (a) offshore wind, (b) onshore wind and (c) solar energy on environmental conservation.

We have important checks and balances in the planning system that require extensive up-front environmental surveying, and for decision makers to ensure statutory environmental and habitats impact assessments are conducted as part of the planning determination.

What steps his Department is taking to reduce curtailment payments.

As set out in our Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, and in line with the National Energy System Operator’s advice published in November, the Government is working to develop the necessary grid infrastructure and manage the level of constraints to create a cheaper and secure energy system for Britain. The Government is working with Ofgem, the National Energy System Operator, and the transmission owners to ensure accelerated delivery of critical projects, including through reforms to the planning system, unlocking supply chains and mobilising the investment and streamlining regulatory processes.

Whether he is taking steps with the National Energy System Operator to increase demand flexibility in the electricity system by four to five times the current level by 2030.

NESO’s Clean Power 2030 Report demonstrates that clean power is achievable under a number of pathways. We have now published the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan setting out capacity ranges for different technologies in the government’s indicative 2030 clean power pathway. The Action Plan also highlights a number of actions that government, Ofgem and NESO are taking to support greater energy system flexibility in line with the pathway, including from consumer-led flexibility.

What discussions (a) Ministers, (b) special advisers, and (c) officials in his Department have had with Quadrature Capital since 5 July 2024.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 14 October 2024 to Question UIN 6511.

What discussions (a) Ministers, (b) special advisers, and (c) officials in his Department have had with Ecotricity since 5 July 2024.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 14 October 2024 to Question UIN 6511.

What discussions (a) Ministers, (b) special advisers, and (c) officials in his Department have had with the Quadrature Climate Foundation since 5 July 2024.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 14 October 2024 to Question UIN 6511.

What steps he is taking with the National Energy System Operator to increase transmission network capacity by 2030.

As set out in our Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, and in line with the National Energy System Operator’s advice published in November, the Government is working to develop the necessary grid infrastructure and manage the level of constraints to create a cheaper and secure energy system for Britain. The Government is working with Ofgem, the National Energy System Operator, and the transmission owners to ensure accelerated delivery of critical projects, including through reforms to the planning system, unlocking supply chains and mobilising the investment and streamlining regulatory processes.

What estimate he has made of the financial impact of the Clean Heat Market Mechanism on the average household income.

The Clean Heat Market Mechanism is not expected to have an impact on average household income. Estimated costs and benefits associated with the scheme can be found in the impact assessment which was published alongside the laying of a Draft Statutory Instrument for the scheme.

What steps his Department is taking to minimise delays in constructing new grid connections.

Accelerating connections is mission-critical for Government as we seek to meet our Clean Power 2030 ambition and drive economic growth. As set out in our Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, Government is working with Ofgem, National Energy System Operator and network companies to reform the connections process to ensure that viable projects, that meet our strategic needs, can connect in time.

If he will make an estimate of the reduction in emissions in tCO2 due to the introduction of the Clean Heat Market Mechanism in each year from 2025 to 2030.

The impact assessment published alongside the laying of the Draft Statutory Instrument for the Clean Heat Market Mechanism estimates the net greenhouse gas emissions savings at the initial target level at 0.03MtCO2e annually in the years 2025 through to 2028 and 0.04MtCO2e in both 2029 and 2030. The majority of emissions savings relating to heat pump deployment over this period are attributed to other policies, such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.

What discussions (a) Ministers, (b) special advisors, and (c) officials in his Department had with the National Energy System Operator on modelling assumptions in the Clean Power 2030 report.

NESO is operationally independent from Government and decisions relating to modelling assumptions are not made by the Department. Earlier this year the Government commissioned the National Energy System Operator (NESO) to provide independent advice on achieving a zero-carbon electricity system by 2030. NESO consulted publicly in September and October on its approach and assumptions. The Government continues to engage with NESO and other key stakeholders in developing our Clean Power 2030 Action Plan.

What steps his Department is taking to construct grid connections for (a) Norfolk and (b) Tilbury.

The Transmission Owner National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) is responsible for constructing the electricity transmission network in England and Wales, including for Norfolk and Tilbury. The Government is working with delivery stakeholders, including NGET, to ensure accelerated delivery of the critical grid infrastructure, including both new lines and upgrades to existing lines, needed for a cheaper and secure energy system, in line with our Clean Power 2030 Action Plan. This includes both new infrastructure and upgrades to existing lines.