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Written question asked by Andrew Bowie (Conservative) on Thursday, 21 May 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 1 June 2026. It was answered by Chris McDonald (Labour) on Tuesday, 2 June 2026 on behalf of the Department for Business and Trade.

Beer: Energy Intensive Industries

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether the Government recognises brewing as an energy-intensive manufacturing activity for the purposes of accessing industrial electricity cost relief schemes.

Answer

The Government does not currently recognise brewing as an energy-intensive industry for the purposes of eligibility for the British Industry Supercharger. The Supercharger supports businesses by relieving them of certain electricity policy and network costs. The list of eligible sectors is based on European Commission guidelines, since eligibility was established when the UK was an EU Member State. The scheme currently targets businesses in sectors like steel and chemicals who are at the highest risk of carbon leakage and who meet specific trade and electricity intensity thresholds.

The Government intends to review the scheme this year and interested stakeholders can engage with the associated public consultation. Any amendments to the policy are subject to ministerial and UK Parliament approval.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
3856
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Costs Beer Electricity Government assistance Energy intensive industries
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk