Written questions by Hobhouse.

What steps his Department is taking to maintain (a) optionality and (b) competition in the Clean Power Plan.

Table 1 of the Clean Power Action Plan sets out a range of potential installed capacity levels for different technologies in 2030. This reflects the Government’s commitment to maintaining optionality by supporting a diverse mix of technologies capable of delivering a clean power system. The Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme is the government’s main mechanism for supporting new low-carbon electricity generation projects in Great Britain. CfDs are awarded through regular, competitive auctions, with the lowest-priced bids successful. We have recently consulted on reforms to increase competition in the CfD scheme. We will publish a full government response to this consultation before Allocation Round 7 opens in the Summer.

What assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of capacity allocation in the Clean Power Plan for Scottish onshore wind between 2031 and 2035.

The 2035 capacity number for Scotland is based on National Energy System Operator's Future Energy Scenarios, which present credible pathways to decarbonise our energy system as we strive towards the 2050 target. We therefore consider the capacity allocation planned for Scotland between 2030 and 2035 to be adequate and will continue to keep this under review, including considering updates to align with the Strategic Spatial Energy Plan, to be published in 2026.

If he will make an assessment of the potential impact of removing the social housing obligation from future iterations of the Energy Company Obligation scheme on the retrofit measures provided to fuel poor households.

We are committed to meeting fuel poverty and Net Zero targets, and we are currently considering what policy mix will best achieve that, including what role energy company obligations should play post-2026.

For what reason The Contracts for Difference (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 2) Regulations 2025 do not include time limits on extended subsidies to Drax.

The Government agreed Heads of Terms with Drax for short-term support from 2027-2031 to ensure UK security of security, as outlined in the ministerial statement in February. This represents a step-change in arrangements and Drax will provide power only when the system, and consumers really need it. This halves the level of consumer subsidies compared to existing arrangements, saving nearly £6 per household in annual bills. The referenced statutory instrument makes amendments to the definition of an eligible generator to facilitate support for large scale biomass generators. It does not specify the terms of contracts for difference for individual companies, including time limits.

What steps his Department is taking to support interconnector infrastructure.

Interconnector development is a developer-led process in GB. Projects are given regulatory approval through Ofgem, a process with no formal role for Government. We welcome Ofgem’s decision to approve five new interconnector projects, including two Offshore Hybrid Assets, in November 2024. The Department is in regular communication with interconnector projects at all stages of development and we of course look to support their development where appropriate.

Whether he is taking steps to develop a strategic framework to enable the integration of hydrogen into future net zero energy systems.

Hydrogen will be key in reaching net zero, helping decarbonise industrial processes and heavy transport where it’s harder or more expensive to electrify, complementing wider electrification efforts. Hydrogen to power was identified in our December Clean Power Action plan as a key technology providing low carbon dispatchable generation at a range of scales, benefiting from the UK’s abundance of offshore wind and supporting a decarbonised power system. We have a comprehensive framework of investible business models to support infrastructure deployment, supporting projects that create real jobs and growth. An update on our hydrogen strategy will be provided later this year.Hydrogen will be key in reaching net zero, helping decarbonise industrial processes and heavy transport where it’s harder or more expensive to electrify, complementing wider electrification efforts. Hydrogen to power was identified in our December Clean Power Action plan as a key technology providing low carbon dispatchable generation at a range of scales, benefiting from the UK’s abundance of offshore wind and supporting a decarbonised power system. We have a comprehensive framework of investible business models to support infrastructure deployment, supporting projects that create real jobs and growth. An update on our hydrogen strategy will be provided later this year.

What estimate he has made of the reduction of the funding for home energy upgrades in the Warm Homes Local Grant compared to the Home Upgrade Grant 2 for Bristol City Council; and whether this represents a reallocation of resources in the Warm Homes Plan.

Bristol City Council’s consortium was awarded £13,458,463 under Warm Homes: Local Grant (WH:LG), which is ~£2m more than the £11,393,650 awarded under Home Upgrade Grant 2 (HUG2). Whilst HUG2 was allocated £700m in 2021 by the previous government compared to WH:LG’s £500m in autumn 2024, this does not represent a resource reallocation under the Warm Homes Plan as these schemes are not comparable.

What resources his Department has allocated to the policy (a) development and (b) implementation of the UK’s commitments to the Global Methane Pledge.

Tackling methane emissions is a priority for the department including as part of the Global Methane Pledge's target (to collectively reduce global methane emissions by 30% by 2030), and under the Climate Change Act. Resource is spread across a number of domestic and international teams in accordance with the priority areas and sectors set out in the Carbon Budget Delivery Plan and Global Methane Pledge.

With reference to the Climate and Clean Air Coalition's press release entitled United Kingdom Elected as co-chair of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, highlighting ambitious agenda to tackle super pollutants, published 21 February, 2025, what recent discussions he has had with his Brazilian counterpart on country-level methane action plans.

The UK and Brazil recently co-chaired the first Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) Board meeting of 2025. Taking ambitious action on methane remains a key focus for the CCAC and the UK and Brazil are working closely together on this shared objective, including ahead of COP30.

Whether he plans to provide support to (a) anaerobic digestion plants and (b) other small energy producers.

The Government is aware that the expiration of Renewables Obligation accreditation may affect the commercial viability of generators from a range of technologies, including anaerobic digestion plants and other small scale generators. We are continuing to assess the situation to understand the impact of the end of Renewables Obligation support on security of supply, clean power 2030 and the environment.

Whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of treating biomethane in the same way as fossil gases under the UK Emissions trading scheme on (a) the anaerobic digestion and biogas sector and (b) the wider economy.

Biomethane can play an important role in reducing reliance on imported gas, increasing our country’s energy security, and helping to deliver net zero. The UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) applies a zero emissions factor to biomethane combustion where it is supplied directly to ETS installations. Where biomethane is injected into the gas grid, there is not currently a mechanism to account for the use of biomethane. The Department is considering stakeholder feedback from the 2024 Call for Evidence on the impacts of this to inform the next steps. The Department will provide an update in due course.

How much innovation funding has the (a) tidal stream and (b) wave energy sectors received since 2020.

Tidal stream and wave technology projects are eligible to apply for a suite of innovation funding programmes delivered by the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). Through UKRI, several such projects have won support through programmes administered by Research and Innovation organisations, including Innovate UK and the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult. Detailed information on amounts of funding awarded to research and innovation projects is publicly available and can be found on the UKRI website: https://www.ukri.org/what-we-do/what-we-have-funded/

What engagement he has had with the wave energy sector to support the technology commercialising in the UK.

Details of ministers’ meetings with external individuals and organisations are published quarterly in arrears on gov.uk.

What assessment he has made of the role marine energy will play in the UK's industrial strategy.

The Industrial Strategy will channel support to eight growth-driving sectors, including the Clean Energy sector, and will be published in Spring 2025. These are sectors in which the UK excels today and will propel us tomorrow. Regarding marine energy, existing policy levers such as the Contracts for Difference scheme and innovation funding delivered by UK Research & Innovation offer substantial levers to unlock marine energy deployment and support supply chain development.

Whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of convening an advisory panel to inform its approach to supporting the decarbonisation of buildings.

We understand the importance of bringing people along with us on the journey to decarbonise buildings across the UK. We will continue to be in contact with a range of stakeholders as we develop our Warm Homes Plan.

If his Department will take steps to support the training of heat pump installers through (a) apprenticeships and (b) re-training existing engineers.

According to Heat Pump Association estimates, we currently need to train at least 6,600 installers a year. Around 9,000 individuals completed training in 2024, so we are well in line with current workforce training needs. The £5 million Heat Training Grant is supporting the upskilling of existing heating engineers in England. The scheme launched in July 2023 and is on track to support 6,000 heat pump training opportunities by April 2025. The Low Carbon Heating Technician apprenticeship launched in Autumn 2023. This is helping bring new entrants into the sector and build a sustainable skills pipeline.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the end of the Renewable Obligation Certificates scheme on anaerobic digestion plants.

The Government is aware that the expiration of Renewables Obligation accreditation may affect the commercial viability of generators from a range of technologies, including anaerobic digestion plants. We are continuing to assess the situation to understand the impact of the end of Renewables Obligation support on security of supply, clean power 2030 and the environment. Anaerobic digestion plants do have alternative sources of support available such as the Green Gas Support Scheme that provides support for biomethane grid injection.

Whether the UK Emissions Trading Scheme will be ready and aligned with the Sustainable Aviation Fuel mandate by the end of 2026.

Aircraft operators that use eligible sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) can currently claim a reduction in their UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) obligations. In June 2023, the UK ETS Authority committed to review its approach to SAF within the UK ETS, acknowledging the significance of the SAF Mandate to the decarbonisation of the aviation sector. The UK ETS Authority will consult on a range of options, including SAF Mandate alignment in due course.

What steps his Department is taking to support (a) small anaerobic digestion plants and (b) other small energy producers.

The Government is aware that the expiration of Renewables Obligation accreditation may affect the commercial viability of generators from a range of technologies, including anaerobic digestion plants and small scale biomass generators. We are continuing to assess the situation to understand the impact of the end of Renewables Obligation support on security of supply, clean power 2030 and the environment. Anaerobic digestion plants do have alternative sources of support available such as the Green Gas Support Scheme that provides support for biomethane grid injection.

If he will carry out a review of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) to ensure alignment with the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Mandate; and if he will take steps to ensure that the ETS is reviewed in time to facilitate the deployment of Sustainable Aviation Fuel.

Aircraft operators that use eligible sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) can currently claim a reduction in their UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) obligations. In June 2023, the UK ETS Authority committed to review its approach to SAF, acknowledging the significance of the SAF Mandate to the decarbonisation of the aviation sector. The Authority will consult on a range of options in due course.