Written questions by Huq.

Whether an agreement to link the UK and EU Emissions Trading Schemes will be in place before the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism comes into force on 1 January 2026.

At the UK-EU Summit on 19 May, both sides agreed in the Common Understanding to work towards establishing a link between their respective carbon markets by way of an agreement linking the United Kingdom Emission Trading Scheme (UK ETS) and the European Union Emission Trading System (EU ETS). The UK is looking to secure a linking agreement with the European Union as fast as is feasible. We are taking forward preparations at pace and look forward to beginning negotiations.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure that the UK’s energy (a) policy and (b) regulatory frameworks support the sustainable growth of data centres by (a) providing long-term clarity on low-carbon power generation and flexibility technologies, (b) introducing planning and connection guidance for new data centres, (c) reviewing private wire network regulations, (d) enabling timely and strategic electricity network connections, (e) reducing non-domestic electricity costs and (f) coordinating infrastructure planning across (i) land, (ii) water and (iii) energy systems.

The AI Energy Council, chaired by the DESNZ and DSIT Secretaries of State, is working to understand the future energy demand of data centres and the policy and regulatory options for enabling faster connections that are compatible with Clean Power 2030. It has five working groups, co-led with partners from industry and academia, respectively considering demand forecasting, grid connections, sustainability, AI opportunities and corporate PPAs in more detail. In terms of infrastructure planning more broadly, the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan provides detail on this for 2025-30, while the Strategic Spatial Energy Plan currently being developed will do so for 2030-50.

Whether he has consulted the International Panel on Climate Change on the future of the Rosebank and Jackdaw oil fields.

Should the developers of the Jackdaw and Rosebank fields choose to re-submit applications for consent they will need to undertake a comprehensive assessment of scope 3 emissions, drawing on appropriate sources of information as referenced in the guidance that we have published. As these projects may be subject to future regulatory decisions, it would be inappropriate to comment further.