Written questions by Baker.

What steps he is taking to ensure that Glenrothes and Mid Fife constituency benefits from nuclear decommissioning.

The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority’s (NDA) mission is to clean up the nuclear legacy. Whilst the NDA do not have a site in Glenrothes and Mid Fife constituency, the decommissioning activity of the NDA and its supply chain provide social economic benefit to areas across Scotland. The longevity of their mission allows for positive economic benefits to be realised for years to come.

Whether his Department plans to include decommissioning in its plan for the North Sea's energy transition.

The recent Government consultation on ‘Building the North Sea’s Energy Future’ recognised the importance of decommissioning and asked specific questions about changes that could be made to ensure an effective decommissioning framework is in place. The consultation is now closed, and we will respond in due course. The Government’s priority is a fair, orderly and prosperous transition in the North Sea in line with our climate and legal obligations, which drives towards our clean energy future of energy security, lower bills, and good, long-term jobs.

What steps he is taking to (a) incentivise consumers and (b) support manufacturers to use green energy sources.

The Action Plan for the Clean Power 2030 Mission will set out the path to decarbonise our electricity and support an increasingly electrified economy. The Government is incentivising adoption of low carbon appliances, including through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, our Warm Homes Plan, and working with industry and local authorities to develop new heat networks. The Government is also supporting low carbon hydrogen production, which has a unique role in transitioning hard-to-abate sectors away from fossil fuels.

Whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of importing renewable energy from the Global South if there is a gap in domestic green power supply.

Interconnectors are the physical assets that enable electricity to be traded between GB and energy markets in other jurisdictions. We are currently trading electricity, including renewable generation, from Europe via nine interconnectors. The Government considers that interconnection should, and will, play an important role in GB’s future decarbonised energy system.

What steps he plans to take to ensure that the increase of electricity demand in the next 15 years can be met by domestically produced green power.

Later this year the Government will publish the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, which will set out the path to deliver a clean power system, helping protect billpayers from volatile gas prices and strengthening Britain’s energy security. The Government has also set up Great British Energy, which will own, manage, and operate clean energy projects across the country, generating abundant homegrown electricity.

What steps he is taking to ensure that new technologies comply with Net Zero targets.

Innovation is essential for the Government’s mission to deliver clean power by 2030 and accelerate to net zero, helping to develop and drive down the cost of new technologies. Around £4.2bn is being invested in research and innovation over 2022-2025 to catalyse the development and commercialisation of these technologies. Furthermore, Great British Energy and our National Wealth Fund, will support clean technologies and investment across the country.

Whether he plans he to encourage the use of hydrogen technologies in domestic settings.

The Government remains committed to examining the case for hydrogen heating and is reviewing plans. This work aims to gather evidence on the feasibility, costs and benefits of hydrogen heating that can inform decisions on its potential role.