Zero Carbon Electricity System

Dr Simon Opher (Stroud) (Lab) and Mr Alex Barros-Curtis (Cardiff West) (Lab) asked the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband, about the progress made on meeting the target to have a zero carbon electricity system by 2030. In his response, the Secretary of State highlighted the government's recent actions, including ending the onshore wind ban, consenting to more nationally significant solar projects, and overseeing the most successful renewables auction compared to the previous government's "disastrous" auction round. He stated that the government is in a hurry to meet its mandate from the British people and is just getting started. Dr Opher thanked the Secretary of State for the rapid action and expressed the excitement in his constituency of Stroud, where a community energy programme is being developed to put solar panels on every school and public building. He asked what steps the government is taking to support solar on schools and public buildings, and if the Secretary of State can ensure there are no barriers to progress. The Secretary of State responded that as part of the Great British Energy's plans, the government wants to work with local schools, hospitals, and leaders to have a solar panels programme, as it is a way to rapidly decarbonise and save money on bills. Mr Barros-Curtis highlighted the work being done in his constituency of Cardiff West, where Cantonian high school will be the first Cardiff school to be operationally net zero, and the Fairwater community campus will feature highly energy-efficient buildings powered by renewable energy sources. He asked the Secretary of State to join him in celebrating the development and agree that this collaborative vision is required to deliver on net zero commitments. The Secretary of State congratulated Mr Barros-Curtis and the Fairwater community campus on their work, stating that by helping to decarbonise public buildings, including schools, the government not only cuts carbon emissions but also saves money that can be used for frontline services. Neil O'Brien (Harborough, Oadby and Wigston) (Con) asked when the Secretary of State will publish the full economic costing for getting to a fully decarbonised renewables-based grid by 2030, as commissioned by the previous Secretary of State. The Secretary of State responded that the work is ongoing and that the plans will be announced in due course. Mr Andrew Snowden (Fylde) (Con) raised concerns about the cabling corridor and substation plans for offshore wind farms in his constituency, and asked if the Secretary of State would commit to working with him and the hon. Member for Blackpool North and Fleetwood (Lorraine Beavers) on assessing a potentially alternative route. The Secretary of State acknowledged the hon. Gentleman's desire to stand up for his constituency's interests, but stated that he would be cautious due to the proper procedures for planning decisions, including his quasi-judicial role. However, he emphasized the need to build the grid to get off the dangerous exposure to international fossil fuel markets. Mark Garnier (Wyre Forest) (Con) praised the Secretary of State and his team as hardworking and open, and stressed the importance of the House receiving the full systems cost analysis as soon as possible, so that the ambitious carbon-neutral targets can be analyzed and explained to constituents. The Secretary of State responded that the government is developing a plan and will publish it in due course, and highlighted the lack of a plan from the previous government.