Written question asked by Lord Spellar (Labour) on Tuesday, 17 June 2025, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 1 July 2025. It was answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Labour) on Tuesday, 1 July 2025 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Desalination: Carbon Emissions

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the carbon footprint of water desalination plants in England.

Answer: The carbon footprint of water supply schemes is an integral factor for water companies in considering how future water demand should be met. The water industry has made net zero commitments by 2030, and the Government has ensured that Water Resources Management Plans (WRMP), which outline water company proposals for new supplies and demand reduction measures, describe how all measures contribute to company and Government net zero commitments.

Water demand is growing due to climate change, the need for drought resilience, population growth and to address unsustainable abstraction. Where water companies have planned new desalination plants, they have shown that the scheme is part of a best value plan for society. This includes assessment balancing the costs, carbon footprint, environmental impacts and social benefits of all potential alternatives for increasing water supply and reducing demand. Regulators have scrutinised WRMPs and are satisfied that only best value schemes have been proposed that meet the challenges facing water supplies.

Secondary information