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Written question asked by Lord Whitehead (Labour) on Wednesday, 28 February 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 4 March 2024 (named day). It was answered by Graham Stuart (Conservative) on Monday, 4 March 2024 on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.


Power Stations: Carbon Emissions

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether she has made an estimate of the cost to the public purse of the System Operator favoring high carbon power stations over low carbon options in the balancing mechanism.

Answer

The Electricity System Operator (ESO) has a licence obligation to operate the system in the most economic and efficient way possible. The main factors that influence operating decisions are cost, system conditions, network constraints, generators’ technical capabilities, and the ESO’s own operational capabilities.

The ESO has an ambition to operate the transmission system with 100% zero carbon for short periods in 2025. It therefore has an extensive programme of work to extend its ability to operate a zero-carbon transmission system across more market and system scenarios.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
16064
Session
2023-24
Subjects
Costs Power stations Carbon emissions
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk