Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Peter Bottomley (Conservative) on Monday, 5 February 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 7 February 2024. It was answered by Andrew Bowie (Conservative) on Tuesday, 13 February 2024 on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Power Stations: Timber

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if she will make it her policy to make the approval of wood-burning power stations to be built after 2027 contingent on parliamentary approval.

Answer

Ensuring the electricity system is reliable, as well as net zero consistent, means variable renewables, such as wind and solar, need to be complemented by technologies which can provide dispatchable or baseload power.

Biomass electricity generation can provide this flexibility and plays a key role in delivering a more secure, clean energy sector in Britain.

Parliamentary approval was granted for the updated energy National Policy Statements on 17 January 2024. This covers the use of biomass in electricity generation at the scale of Nationally Significant Infrastructure under the Planning Act (which applies to projects in England and Wales).

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
12882
Session
2023-24
Subjects
Power stations Timber
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk