Written questions by Spencer.

Whether he has a target for the proportion of domestic energy produced by land based solar farms.

Our pathway to clean power was set out in the Clean Power Action Plan, published in December 2024. It made clear that solar power, across rooftop and ground-mounted solar farms, will be crucial to achieving our mission. The plan calls for the rapid acceleration of solar deployment, from around 21.5GW at present, to 45–47GW by 2030, with scope to exceed this, subject to system need. We do not hold specific targets for the proportion of this capacity that should be split between ground-mounted solar farms and other types of solar.

If he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the Norwich-to-Tilbury pylon route on the local agricultural sector.

It is the responsibility of the developers of electricity network projects, in this case National Grid Electricity Transmission, to propose a route and obtain planning permission for that route including assessment of any agricultural impacts. The Government sets the rules for a robust and independent planning process that communities participate in. The Government cannot comment on specific projects which will come before the Secretary of State for a final decision. Depending on the specifics of each case, network operators are required to have an agreement with landowners impacted by transmission infrastructure projects on their land, including payment of appropriate compensation.

What recent discussions his Department has had with the agricultural community on the construction of the Norwich-to-Tilbury pylon project.

It is the responsibility of the developers of electricity network projects – in this case National Grid Electricity Transmission - to propose a route and obtain planning permission for that route. The government sets the rules for a robust and independent planning process that communities can participate in, with consultation being a central element of the planning process. Any engagement by Ministers must consider the role of the Secretary of State in deciding on planning applications for energy projects, and the limitations on discussing live projects in the development process which have not come to the Planning Inspectorate.

If he will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a community benefit scheme for agricultural landowners affected by the National Grid Norwich to Tilbury project who will no longer be able to farm land with a pylon on it.

The Government cannot comment on specific projects which will come before the Secretary of State for a final planning decision. All projects, regardless of location, must go through the independent and robust planning process. We are committed to ensuring that communities who live near new transmission infrastructure can see the benefits of it and are considering how to most effectively deliver this. Community benefits are different to compensation. Depending on the specifics of each case, network operators must have an agreement with landowners impacted by the presence of transmission infrastructure projects on their land, which includes payment of appropriate compensation.