Andrew Bowie (Shadow Energy Security and Net Zero Minister): To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of deploying Small Modular Reactors on the Government's net-zero targets.
Michael Shanks MP (Minister for Energy): The government is clear that new nuclear power stations, such as Hinkley Point C, Sizewell C, and small modular reactors (SMRs), will play an important role in helping the UK achieve energy security and clean power while securing thousands of good, skilled jobs. Great British Nuclear (GBN), the government’s expert nuclear delivery body, is running an SMR technology selection process procurement. In September 2024, GBN concluded the initial tender phase of the procurement and down-selected to four companies. In the next stage of the process, bidders will be invited to enter negotiations with GBN.
Andrew Bowie (Shadow Energy Security and Net Zero Minister): To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department is taking steps to streamline regulatory approval processes for new nuclear projects.
Michael Shanks MP (Minister for Energy): The UK has an enabling, robust and rigorous energy regulatory regime. The Government is taking steps towards speeding up and streamlining the planning process and will continue to work with the regulators to understand the potential for additional streamlining or removing of duplication from the regulation of energy projects including new nuclear projects. Evidence received from the Alternative Routes to Market for New Nuclear Projects consultation will allow us to further explore how the existing nuclear regulatory framework can accommodate new technologies and new use-cases.
Andrew Bowie (Shadow Energy Security and Net Zero Minister): To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to ensure that the UK has the (a) skills and (b) workforce to support the expansion of nuclear energy as part of the net-zero transition.
Michael Shanks MP (Minister for Energy): The Government is committed to ensuring that the UK nuclear industry has the necessary skills needed to deliver our nuclear ambitions.
Recognising the need for urgent action, the nuclear sector across civil and defence are responding collaboratively to deliver sustained long-term action that will develop a robust nuclear skills base, including through the delivery of the National Nuclear Strategic Plan for Skills.
Andrew Bowie (Shadow Energy Security and Net Zero Minister): To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to support (a) international climate commitments and (b) other global nuclear energy initiatives.
Michael Shanks MP (Minister for Energy): The Government is committed to restoring the UK’s global climate leadership, building on its mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower. We will work with countries to deliver on the Global Stocktake agreed at COP28. We intend to announce our own ambitious Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for 2035 at COP29, accelerate action through initiatives such as the Global Clean Power Alliance and push for an ambitious new global climate finance goal at COP29. The UK actively supports the safe and secure use of nuclear energy through our work at the International Atomic Energy Agency, Nuclear Energy Agency and International Energy Agency.
Andrew Griffith MP (Shadow Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology): To ask the Secretary of State for Energy, Security and Net Zero, whether he has had discussions with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government on easing planning rules for SMR reactors.
Michael Shanks MP (Minister for Energy): A new nuclear National Policy Statement (EN-7) is being developed which will provide updated planning guidance and set out any specific assessment criteria for the siting of new nuclear power stations, including Small Modular Reactors (SMR).
Andrew Griffith MP (Shadow Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology): To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to support the development of nuclear reactors which make use of re-processed fuels.
Michael Shanks MP (Minister for Energy): The decision of whether or when to reprocess spent fuel is a matter for the owner of the spent fuel. Whilst industrial scale reprocessing of spent fuels in the UK has ended, the value of the UK’s nuclear fuel cycle knowledge and skills base is recognised, both in managing the UK’s nuclear legacy and in supporting future capabilities and research programmes. The UK Government continues to provide support through investments in research facilities and programmes.
Andrew Griffith MP (Shadow Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology): To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to support the development of small modular reactors.
Michael Shanks MP (Minister for Energy): Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) could play an important role in helping the UK achieve energy security and clean power while securing thousands of good, skilled jobs. The Department has provided funding of up to £210m to support the development of the Rolls Royce SMR design. The Future Nuclear Enabling Fund is currently awarding grants of up to £67m to support advanced nuclear designs through UK regulation, including SMRs.
Separately, Great British Nuclear is continuing to deliver the live SMR Technology Selection Process for UK deployment.
Wera Hobhouse MP (Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Energy and Climate Change): To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to his Answer of 2 September 2024 to Question 2122 on Great British Nuclear: Recruitment, if he will list (a) the organisations from which personnel have been seconded to Great British Nuclear and (b) the number of personnel recruited from each.
Michael Shanks MP (Minister for Energy): GBN has grown rapidly as an organisation to deliver on its mission and now has over 100 personnel working for it, including those seconded from a range of organisations. Permanent recruitment for the Executive Team is actively underway and this will be followed by recruitment for the rest of the organisation.
Wera Hobhouse MP (Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Energy and Climate Change): To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for public expenditure of the provision of a further £5.5 billion for additional development support for the proposed new nuclear power plant Sizewell C in (a) the current fiscal year and (b) each of the next four fiscal years.
Michael Shanks MP (Minister for Energy): While working towards a final investment decision on Sizewell C, we have established a new subsidy scheme of up to £5.5 billion to ensure the government can provide the project with the necessary financial support to remain on track. Decisions about providing investment and support under the scheme will be made in due course and will be subject to the relevant government approval processes, including where appropriate the upcoming Spending Review.
Andrew Bowie (Shadow Energy Security and Net Zero Minister): To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to support the development of fusion technology.
Michael Shanks MP (Minister for Energy): Fusion supports the Government’s missions to kickstart economic growth and make Britain a clean energy superpower. The commercial process for the STEP powerplant programme is in train, we are investing in cutting-edge research programmes and facilities, and are implementing the UK’s proportionate regulatory framework, strengthening the UK’s role as the global hub for fusion innovation. Together, this will support investment and job creation and help deliver a thriving UK fusion industry.
Aphra Brandreth (Conservative MP for Chester south and Eddisbury): To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether it remains his Department's policy that Wylfa is the preferred site for a large-scale nuclear development.
Michael Shanks MP (Minister for Energy): Nuclear can play an important role in helping to achieve energy security and clean power while securing thousands of skilled jobs. As a site which has previously hosted a nuclear power station, and is now owned by Great British Nuclear, we want Wylfa to play an important role in new nuclear in the UK, and we will set out our plans for the site in due course.
Jerome Mayhew (Shadow Business and Trade Minister): To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to help ensure that the development of a UK nuclear supply chain.
Michael Shanks MP (Minister for Energy): To meet our current and future nuclear ambitions, we will work with the civil nuclear sector to ensure the UK has a resilient supply chain with the required capabilities and capacity across a range of activities from the front-end fuel cycle to waste management.
To do so, we will continue to engage with industry to identify barriers to entry and opportunities for working together to improve the attractiveness of working in the nuclear sector.
Jerome Mayhew (Shadow Business and Trade Minister): To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential contribution of nuclear energy to his net zero goals in 2050; and if he will provide a roadmap for the deployment of nuclear assets.
Michael Shanks MP (Minister for Energy): Nuclear energy, as one of the most reliable, secure, low-carbon sources of home-produced energy, is an essential part of our journey to net zero. Our manifesto made it clear that we support new nuclear, both large-scale, such as Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C, and Small Modular Reactors.
Jerome Mayhew (Shadow Business and Trade Minister): To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, when he plans to announce the results of the Small Modular Reactor competition.
Michael Shanks MP (Minister for Energy): Great British Nuclear was established in 2023 as an expert nuclear delivery. It is currently running a small modular reactor technology selection process. This is a live procurement and is ongoing; the window for submitting tenders has now closed and Great British Nuclear is now evaluating bids, with further updates to follow in due course.
Llinos Medi (Plaid Cymru, Ynys Môn): To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many responses were received in relation to the Prior Information Notice issued to explore building a further large-scale nuclear power station; from which parties those responses were received; and whether Wylfa is the designated site for the next gigawatt project.
Michael Shanks MP (Minister for Energy): Considerations for a further large-scale project are at an exploratory stage with the Prior Information Notice forming part of this work. The Prior Information Notice has now closed, with 10 responses, and we are continuing to engage with the organisations that responded. The names of these organisations are commercially sensitive. No decision has yet been taken on whether to pursue a future large-scale project, but we want Wylfa to play an important role in new nuclear in the UK and we will set out our plans for the site in due course.
Llinos Medi (Plaid Cymru, Ynys Môn): To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer of 5 September 2024 to Question 3867 on Hitachi: Wylfa Power Station, if he will provide a breakdown of how much of the £160 million total was spent on the site at (a) Wylfa and (b) Oldbury.
Michael Shanks MP (Minister for Energy): Great British Nuclear agreed to pay £115m for the Wylfa site and up to £45m for the Oldbury site, excluding taxes.
Jerome Mayhew (Shadow Business and Trade Minister): To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, when he plans to announce the results of the Small Modular Reactor (SMR) competition; and what assessment he has made of the contribution of SMRs to net zero energy generation targets in 2030.
Michael Shanks MP (Minister for Energy): Great British Nuclear was established in 2023 as an expert nuclear delivery. It is currently running a small modular reactor technology selection process. This is a live procurement and is ongoing; the window for submitting tenders has now closed and Great British Nuclear is now evaluating bids, with further updates to follow in due course.
Andrew Bowie (Shadow Energy Security and Net Zero Minister): To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what progress his Department has made on the Pre-Tender Market Engagement for nuclear development at Wylfa.
Michael Shanks MP (Minister for Energy): Although pre-tender market engagement for large-scale nuclear published by the previous Government has now closed, we recognise the key role that the GBN-owned site at Wylfa can play in future nuclear projects and helping to achieve energy security and clean power. We will set out our plans for the site in due course.
Andrew Bowie (Shadow Energy Security and Net Zero Minister): To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what discussions he has had with Sheffield University’s Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre on potential redundancies.
Michael Shanks MP (Minister for Energy): The Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (NAMRC) is part of the University of Sheffield and receives funding from the High Value Manufacturing Catapult. These organisations have been reviewing their nuclear innovation capabilities to ensure they are fit for purpose and delivered cost effectively. These reviews will complete soon and will inform the University’s decision on the future of NAMRC.
Andrew Bowie (Shadow Energy Security and Net Zero Minister): To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of gigawatt scale selections in Europe on the UK’s commitment to tripling nuclear globally by 2050.
Michael Shanks MP (Minister for Energy): The UK has long established relationships with European partners considering gigawatt scale civil nuclear deployment and, as one of the 22 countries to sign up to a pledge to triple civil nuclear globally, is working to coordinate plans to deploy civil nuclear domestically and around the world. The Government recognises the increasing demand on supply chains as countries seek to meet their nuclear ambitions and so will work with industry to realise the full range of responsible deployment pathways.
Andrew Bowie (Shadow Energy Security and Net Zero Minister): To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what the cost differential per kilowatt is for nuclear development for large scale gigawatt projects and small modular reactors.
Michael Shanks MP (Minister for Energy): Great British Nuclear is currently administering the small modular reactor (SMR) technology selection process and is now in the process of evaluating bids. Given that this is a live procurement process it would be inappropriate at this time to comment on the economics of SMR power generation or to make any comparison across nuclear technologies, but all nuclear projects will be subject to a detailed value for money assessment, including cost.
Esther McVey (Conservative MP for Tatton): To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what types of jobs Great British Energy will create; and where those jobs will be (a) in the North west and (b) nationally.
Michael Shanks MP (Minister for Energy): Great British Energy will create thousands of jobs and build supply chains across the UK, including at its future head office in Scotland. Its investments will support companies across the energy industry, providing opportunities for high quality, well-paid work. We already see the diversity of projects across the UK – from wind turbine construction in Teesside and Merseyside, to nuclear power in Suffolk, tidal projects in Scotland, hydropower in Wales, solar farms in Wiltshire and offshore wind in Belfast. Every part of the UK has a role to play in delivering energy security and transition to clean power by 2030.
Andrew Bowie (Shadow Energy Security and Net Zero Minister): To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what his planned timetable is for responding to the Alternative routes to market for new nuclear projects consultation, which closed on 12 April 2024.
Michael Shanks MP (Minister for Energy): The Alternative Routes to Market for New Nuclear Projects consultation was published on 11th January 2024 and closed on 12th April 2024.
Consultation responses have been analysed and the Department intends to publish a factual response in due course.
Andrew Bowie (Shadow Energy Security and Net Zero Minister): To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what his planned timetable is for responding to the Approach to siting new nuclear power stations beyond 2025 consultation, which closed on 10 March 2024.
Michael Shanks MP (Minister for Energy): The Government is grateful for the views submitted as part of the consultation on the approach to siting new nuclear power stations beyond 2025. This consultation was run to inform drafting of a new nuclear National Policy Statement (EN-7) which we will bring forward in due course. EN-7 will be subject to the usual public consultation and Parliamentary scrutiny.
Josh MacAlister MP (Labour MP for Whitehaven and Workington): To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether decisions have been (a) requested of and (b) made by his Department on alternative uses of land licensed for new nuclear use owned by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority at Moorside in West Cumbria.
Michael Shanks MP (Minister for Energy): To date, no decisions have been made, but discussions are ongoing regarding the most effective use of the land at Moorside. The Department is considering options to maximise public benefit.
Llinos Medi (Plaid Cymru MP for Ynys Môn): To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how much the UK Government paid Hitachi for the purchase of the Wylfa nuclear site.
Michael Shanks MP (Minister for Energy): Great British Nuclear paid £160m excluding taxes for the Wylfa and Oldbury sites.
Llinos Medi (Plaid Cymru MP for Ynys Môn): To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, on what date the purchase of the Wylfa nuclear site from Hitachi was completed.
Michael Shanks MP (Minister for Energy): The transaction for Great British Nuclear to purchase land at Wylfa in Ynys Mon/Anglesey from Hitachi was agreed in March 2024 and completed in June 2024.
Andrew Bowie (Shadow Energy Security and Net Zero Minister):To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what role Great British Energy will have in the (a) governance and (b) duties of Great British Nuclear.
Michael Shanks MP (Minister for Energy): Government is exploring how Great British Energy and Great British Nuclear will work together, including considering how Great British Nuclear functions can be aligned with Great British Energy.
Andrew Bowie (Shadow Energy Security and Net Zero Minister): To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what his planned timetable is for the delivery of a new nuclear power plant at Wylfa.
Michael Shanks MP (Minister for Energy): Nuclear can play an important role in helping to achieve energy security and clean power while securing thousands of skilled jobs. As a site which has previously hosted a nuclear power station, and is now owned by Great British Nuclear, Wylfa can play an important role in new nuclear in the UK, and we will set out our plans for the site in due course.
Andrew Bowie (Shadow Energy Security and Net Zero Minister): To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what his planned timetable is for approving Small Modular Reactors.
Michael Shanks MP (Minister for Energy): Great British Nuclear, the Department’s arm’s-length body responsible for helping deliver the government’s nuclear programme. is currently running a small modular reactor technology selection process for UK deployment. The window for submitting tenders has closed and Great British Nuclear is evaluating bids. This is a complex procurement, and it is important Great British Nuclear ensures a fair and robust process that delivers sustainable outcomes. Further updates will be made in due course.
Josh MacAlister MP (Labour MP for Whitehaven and Workington): To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether access has been (a) requested and (b) granted to land owned by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority at Moorside for detailed assessment to be carried out for its use for new nuclear power generation in the last ten years.
Michael Shanks MP (Minister for Energy): Yes, requests have been made, within the last ten years, to access the land at Moorside for the purpose of undertaking detailed assessment of its suitability to be used for the development of new nuclear power generation infrastructure. These requests have been granted by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.
Josh MacAlister MP (Labour MP for Whitehaven and Workington): To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, which government sites licensed for new nuclear use have been subject to further detailed assessments since designation.
Michael Shanks MP (Minister for Energy): Land assessments for a variety of purposes will have been undertaken at those potential sites listed in EN-6 for Nuclear Power Generation, that are now owned by government arm’s length bodies.
Josh MacAlister MP (Labour MP for Whitehaven and Workington): To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether the eight sites identified for new nuclear use in the 2011 National Policy Statement are intended for new nuclear use.
Michael Shanks MP (Minister for Energy): New nuclear National Policy Statement (EN-7) is being developed to provide updated planning guidance to developers. This will be subject to the usual public consultation and Parliamentary scrutiny. The potential sites listed in EN-6 are likely to retain many inherent advantages and it is for those landowners to decide how to manage their assets. For those sites within the wider government estate, optimal land use will be considered to best maximise public benefit.
Josh MacAlister MP (Labour MP for Whitehaven and Workington): To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether access to existing nuclear expertise is considered in siting decisions for new nuclear power plants.
Michael Shanks MP (Minister for Energy): A new nuclear National Policy Statement (EN-7) is being developed which will provide updated planning guidance and set out any specific assessment criteria for the siting of new nuclear power stations.
Josh MacAlister MP (Labour MP for Whitehaven and Workington): To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he will prioritise government owned land that remains (a) unused and (b) licensed for new nuclear use in siting decisions for deployment of new nuclear power plants.
Michael Shanks MP (Minister for Energy): Government will always consider strategic land use opportunities for its estate and is committed to managing its land to best maximise public benefit.
Josh MacAlister MP (Labour MP for Whitehaven and Workington): To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he will prioritise new nuclear power generation on land designated for new nuclear over other potential uses.
Michael Shanks MP (Minister for Energy): The New nuclear National Policy Statement (EN-7) is being developed to provide updated planning guidance to developers. This will be subject to the usual public consultation and Parliamentary scrutiny. The potential sites listed in EN-6 are likely to retain many inherent advantages and it is for those landowners to decide how to manage their assets. For those sites within the wider government estate, optimal land use will be considered to best maximise public benefit.
Josh MacAlister MP (Labour MP for Whitehaven and Workington): To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many approval processes Great British Nuclear undertake before final decisions are made on (a) technology and (b) sites for new nuclear power plants.
Michael Shanks MP (Minister for Energy): Great British Nuclear, the Department’s arm’s-length body responsible for helping deliver the Government’s nuclear programme, is currently running a small modular reactor technology selection process for UK deployment. The window for submitting tenders has closed and Great British Nuclear is evaluating bids. This is a complex procurement, and it is important Great British Nuclear ensures a fair and robust process that delivers sustainable outcomes. Further updates will be made on this, as well as setting out plans for associated sites, in due course.
Wera Hobhouse MP (Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Energy and Climate Change): To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many full-time permanent staff he (a) plans to recruit and (b) has recruited for Great British Nuclear; and what his planned timeline is for completing this recruitment.
Michael Shanks MP (Minister for Energy): GBN has grown rapidly as an organisation to deliver on its mission and now has well over 100 personnel working for it ahead of permanent recruitment to help drive forward the nuclear programme. Permanent recruitment for the Executive Team is actively underway and this will be followed by recruitment for the rest of the organisation.
Andrew Bowie (Shadow Energy Security and Net Zero Minister): To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential economic impact of proceeding with the construction of a GW scale reactor at Wylfa.
Michael Shanks MP (Minister for Energy): As a site which has previously hosted a nuclear power station, and is now owned by Great British Nuclear, Wylfa can play an important role in new nuclear in the UK, and we will set out our plans for the site in due course. The Government has not yet carried out an assessment of the economic impact any future project would have at that location. However, according to EDF, Hinkley Point C is supporting up to 12,000 jobs during construction and will support 900 permanent jobs during its 60 years of operation.
Lord Naseby (Conservative): To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with Great British Nuclear to speed up the decision-making process to pick a supplier of small nuclear reactors.
Lord Hunt of Kings Heath (Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero): Great British Nuclear, the Department’s arm’s-length body responsible for helping deliver the government’s nuclear programme, is currently running a small modular reactor technology selection process for UK deployment. This is a live procurement and is on-going. The window for submitting tenders has now closed and Great British Nuclear is currently evaluating bids. We look forward to providing further information in due course.
Claire Coutinho MP (Shadow Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero): To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of his policy on decarbonising the grid by 2030 on the cost of constructing Sizewell C.
Michael Shanks MP (Minister for Energy): The capital costs for Sizewell C are commercially sensitive, and subject to ongoing development. We cannot comment further on the cost at this time, but we are committed to Sizewell C, which with other new nuclear projects will play an important role in the Government’s vision for achieving energy independence, lowering consumers’ bills, and securing thousands of good, skilled jobs. Work continues at pace to secure a final investment decision.
Andrew Bowie (Conservative MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine): To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to his Department's policy paper entitled Civil nuclear roadmap to 2050, published in January 2024, whether he plans to meet the target of producing 24GW of energy by nuclear by 2050.
Michael Shanks MP (Minister for Energy): The Government supports new nuclear and believes there is a strong role for it in making this country a clean energy superpower.
We want to see Hinkley Point C operational this decade and extensions to the currently operating fleet, and we are working at pace to reach a Final Investment Decision for Sizewell C, in which the Government is the majority shareholder. Furthermore, Great British Nuclear is continuing to deliver the SMR technology selection process, with bids now being evaluated.
Andrew Bowie (Conservative MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine): To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to support exports of small modular reactor technologies to Sweden.
Andrew Bowie (Conservative MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine): To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to support exports of small modular reactor technologies to Czechia.
Andrew Bowie (Conservative MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine): To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to support exports of small modular reactor technologies to Poland.
Michael Shanks MP (Minister for Energy): The UK has established strong civil nuclear relationships with Czechia, Sweden and Poland, and is working closely to coordinate and drive collaboration, including on critical enabling policy such as regulation, financing, operator capabilities, fuels, supply chains, and waste management. We want the UK to be a clean energy superpower, delivering net zero and industrial decarbonisation at home and overseas, so we are pleased to support the nuclear supply chain, including UK Small Modular Reactor (SMR) vendors, seeking to export to responsible nuclear nations, including across Europe.
Andrew Bowie (Conservative MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine): To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what his Department's policy is on the deployment of nuclear technology at Oldbury.
Michael Shanks MP (Minister for Energy): Nuclear can play an important role in helping to achieve energy security and clean power while securing thousands of skilled jobs. As a site which has previously hosted a nuclear power station, and is now owned by Great British Nuclear, Oldbury can play an important role in new nuclear in the UK, and we will set out our plans for the site in due course.
Andrew Bowie (Conservative MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine): To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will take steps to improve access to market for small and advanced modular reactors outside of the down-selection process.
Michael Shanks MP (Minister for Energy): New nuclear power stations will play an important role in helping the UK achieve energy security and clean power while securing thousands of good, skilled jobs. As the government has already demonstrated, it will consider measures to break down barriers to delivery of clean energy, including nuclear, and support this country becoming a clean energy superpower.
Andrew Bowie (Conservative MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine): To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what his Department's policy is on the deployment of new nuclear technologies in Scotland.
Michael Shanks MP (Minister for Energy): The UK Government recognises Scotland's significant contributions to British nuclear power and values the expertise and skills within the nuclear industry there. We are aware of the Scottish Government’s approach to nuclear energy, we work productively with them on a range of energy issues and remain open to discussions on deploying new nuclear technologies in Scotland.
Andrew Bowie (Conservative MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine): To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department plans to take to support the roll-out of small modular reactors.
Michael Shanks MP (Minister for Energy): Great British Nuclear, the Department’s arm’s-length body responsible for helping deliver the government’s nuclear programme is currently running a small modular reactor technology selection process for UK deployment. This is a live procurement and is on-going. The window for submitting tenders has now closed and Great British Nuclear is currently evaluating bids. We look forward to providing further information in due course.
Andrew Bowie (Conservative MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine): To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he is taking steps to seek new investors for Sizewell C.
Michael Shanks MP (Minister for Energy): Discussions with potential investors participating in the equity raise process are ongoing. We cannot comment further on the process, as it is commercially sensitive.
We are committed to Sizewell C, which with other new nuclear projects will play an important role in the Government’s vision for achieving energy independence, lowering consumers’ bills, and securing thousands of good, skilled jobs. Work continues at pace to secure a final investment decision.
Andrew Bowie (Conservative MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine): To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how he intends to shortlist for the small modular reactor competition.
Michael Shanks MP (Minister for Energy): Great British Nuclear, the Department’s arm’s-length body responsible for helping deliver the government’s nuclear programme, is currently running a small modular reactor technology selection process for UK deployment. This is a live procurement and is on-going. The window for submitting tenders has now closed and Great British Nuclear is currently evaluating bids. We look forward to providing further information in due course.
Andrew Bowie (Conservative MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine): To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will proceed with the planned GW-scale nuclear power plant at Wylfa, as announced by the previous Government on 22 May 2024.
Michael Shanks MP (Minister for Energy): Nuclear can play an important role in helping to achieve energy security and clean power while securing thousands of skilled jobs. As a site which has previously hosted a nuclear power station, and is now owned by Great British Nuclear, Wylfa can play an important role in new nuclear in the UK, and we will set out our plans for the site in due course.
Andrew Bowie (Conservative MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine): To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what his planned timeline is for downselecting small modular reactor technologies for UK deployment.
Michael Shanks MP (Minister for Energy): A new National Policy Statement will be developed to provide the planning framework for nuclear power beyond 2025. We believe the sites identified in the current National Policy Statement (EN6), including the privately owned Hartlepool site, are likely to retain inherent positive attributes that make them attractive for consideration for development.
Jonathan Brash (Labour MP for Hartlepool): To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department has plans to build a new nuclear reactor on the Hartlepool nuclear power station site.
Michael Shanks MP (Minister for Energy): A new National Policy Statement will be developed to provide the planning framework for nuclear power beyond 2025. We believe the sites identified in the current National Policy Statement (EN6), including the privately owned Hartlepool site, are likely to retain inherent positive attributes that make them attractive for consideration for development.
Laurence Turner (Labour MP for Birmingham Northfield): To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, when he plans to make a final investment decision on the proposed construction of the Sizewell C nuclear power station.
Michael Shanks MP (Minister for Energy): We are committed to Sizewell C. New nuclear will play an important role in the Government’s vision for achieving energy independence, lowering consumers’ bills, and securing thousands of good, skilled jobs.
The Sizewell C project has recently received its Nuclear Site Licence and commenced its Development Consent Order. Work continues at pace to secure a final investment decision.
The Government will continue to update the House as project development continues.
Virginia Crosbie MP: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he plans to update the UK Government Green Financing Framework, published in June 2021, to allow the proceeds of green gilts to be used for nuclear energy projects.
Andrew Griffith MP (Economic Secretary at HM Treasury) - As set out in the British Energy Security Strategy, nuclear energy is a key part of the UK’s low-carbon energy mix alongside solar, wind and other energy sources. These technologies are important in tackling climate change and diversifying the UK’s supply, contributing to the UK’s energy security and sustainable growth.
The UK Government Green Financing Framework was set in June 2021, with its current exclusion of nuclear energy projects. Any changes to the Framework in the future to include nuclear energy would be transparently published by the Government.
Charlotte Nichols MP: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will make it his policy not to use public money to fund any new fossil fuel projects in the UK.
James Cartlidge (Exchequer Secretary at HM Treasury) - The government is fully committed to green growth and net zero by 2050, including speeding up the deployment of clean and renewable technologies such as nuclear, hydrogen, solar, carbon capture and storage and wind – where the UK is already a world leader in offshore generation. The UK’s omissions have also fallen by over 44% between 1990 and 2019. However, oil and gas are not incompatible with this, as the UK will need these fuels for decades to come to support our energy security through the transition to clean energy.
The government places additional taxes on the extraction of oil and gas, with companies engaged in the production of oil and gas in the UK and on the UK Continental Shelf subject to a combined headline tax rate on their profits of 40%. The Energy Profits Levy was introduced in May as a temporary 25% tax on top of this (the rate will rise to 35% from 1 January 2023). The Energy Profits Levy will end on 31 March 2028.
The government has always sought to balance delivering a fair return for the UK from the use of its resources while providing the right conditions to attract investment in the North Sea that is key to support domestic jobs and the nation’s energy security. That is why companies investing in new or existing projects can claim a deduction against their taxable profits taking into account the cost of their investments. The UK will receive tax revenues from these investments as and when they generate a profit.
Bill Esterson MP (Shadow Minister for Business and Industry): To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether it is his policy to support the development of Sizewell C Nuclear Power Station.
Graham Stuart MP (Minister of State at Department for Energy Security and Net Zero) - The Government is in constructive ongoing negotiations on Sizewell C, with the aim of delivering a key objective of the British Energy Security Strategy, to take one large-scale nuclear project to a Final Investment Decision (FID) this Parliament, subject to value for money and all relevant approvals.
The Government has announced its intention to provide up to £700m of funding to the project, subject to the outcome of these negotiations.
Bill Esterson MP (Shadow Minister for Business and Industry): To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to The Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution published on 18 November 2020, how much money has been paid into the Advanced Nuclear Fund since the publication of the plan.
Graham Stuart MP (Minister of State at Department for Energy Security and Net Zero) - The £385m Advanced Nuclear Fund, announced in 2020, includes funding of up to £210m for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs). For SMRs, this is being delivered through the Low-Cost Nuclear Innovation Programme which provided a £210m grant to Rolls-Royce (RR) SMR. This encouraged industry to invest £280m, from Rolls Royce and other investors. For AMRs, in September the Government announced up to £3.3m for successful organisations under Phase A of the Research, Development and Demonstration programme.
Bill Esterson MP (Shadow Minister for Business and Industry): To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the policy paper entitled The Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution, published on 18 November 2020, how many jobs have been created in nuclear power since the publication of the plan.
Graham Stuart MP (Minister of State at Department for Energy Security and Net Zero) - Since the publication of the Ten Point Plan, this Government has been in constructive negotiations on the Sizewell C project which is likely to support 10,000 jobs at peak construction. In addition, the British Energy Security Strategy announced an aim for up to 24GW of nuclear capacity by 2050, which will create highly skilled jobs at a local, regional, and national level.
Charlotte Nichols MP: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, for what reasons the Government has permitted a significant proportion of investment in Sizewell C nuclear power station to come from foreign investors.
Graham Stuart MP (Minister of State at Department for Energy Security and Net Zero) - The Government welcomes investment into the UK’s nuclear sector and values the important role of overseas investors in large-scale infrastructure projects. The Regulated Asset Base model will help attract the significant investment needed from UK and international pension funds, insurers and other institutional investors, reducing reliance on overseas developers for finance which led to the cancellation of potential projects. Investment involving critical nuclear infrastructure needs to satisfy our robust national security, and other legal and regulatory requirements.
The Government has also declared its preparedness to invest directly in the Sizewell C project, subject to ongoing negotiations and all relevant approvals.