Judith Cummins

With this it will be convenient to discuss the following: New clause 2—Nature Recovery Duty— “(1) In exercising its functions, Great British Energy must take all reasonable steps to contribute to the achievement of targets set under sections 1–3 of the Environment Act 2021. (2) Under the duty set under subsection (1), Great British Energy must consider opportunities to incorporate nature-based solutions in— (a) the design and maintenance of any assets in its ownership, and (b) its investment decisions.” This new clause would give Great British Energy a new duty, requiring it to contribute to the achievement of Environment Act targets. The duty specifies the incorporation of nature-based solutions (including nature friendly design and building measures) in all assets owned by and invested in by Great British Energy. New clause 3—Prohibition of investments which would increase greenhouse gas emissions— “(1) Prior to making any investment, Great British Energy must publish an assessment of the impact of the investment decision on— (a) greenhouse gas emissions and (b) the production or combustion of fossil fuels. (2) Where the assessment carried out under subsection (1) showed that the investment was expected to contribute to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions, Great British Energy must not make that investment.” This new clause would require Great British Energy to publish an assessment of potential investments on greenhouse gas emissions and the production or combustion of fossil fuels. Any investment which the assessment showed was expected to increase greenhouse gas emissions would be prohibited. Amendment 3, in clause 1, page 1, line 3, at end insert— “within 6 months of the day on which this Act is passed.” Amendment 4, in clause 3, page 2, line 18, at end insert— “(e) an emergency home insulation programme with targeted support for people on low incomes, and (f) the expansion and development of renewable energy and technology.” This amendment would set objects for Great British Energy of facilitating, encouraging and participating in an emergency home insulation programme with targeted support for people on low incomes, and the expansion and development of renewable energy and technology. Amendment 1, in clause 5, page 3, line 8, at end insert— “(1A) The statement of strategic priorities under subsection (1) must include a priority to reduce household energy bills by at least £300 in real terms.” Amendment 5, page 3, line 8, at end insert— “(1A) The statement of strategic priorities under subsection (1) must include a priority to advance the production of clean energy from schemes owned, or part owned, by community organisations.” This new section would require the statement of strategic priorities to make specific regard to facilitate community-based clean energy schemes. Amendment 6, page 3, line 8, at end insert— “(1A) The statement of strategic priorities under subsection (1) must include the reduction of household energy bills by £300 in real terms by 1 January 2030.” Amendment 8, page 3, line 8, at end insert— “(1A) The statement of strategic priorities under subsection (1) must include the creation of 650,000 new jobs in the United Kingdom by 2030 resulting directly or indirectly from Great British Energy’s pursuit of its objectives under section 3.” Amendment 11, page 3, line 8, at end insert— “(1A) The statement of strategic priorities under subsection (1) must include a priority to allocate 3% of Great British Energy’s budget to marine energy projects.” This amendment would require 3% of Great British Energy’s budget to be allocated for marine energy projects. Amendment 12, page 3, line 8, at end insert— “(1A) The statement of strategic priorities under subsection (1) must include a priority to work with Great British Nuclear on the development of nuclear energy projects.” This amendment would require Great British Energy to work with Great British Nuclear on developing nuclear energy projects. Amendment 13, page 3, line 8, at end insert— “(1A) The statement of strategic priorities under subsection (1) must include a priority to require any renewable energy development located in Wales that Great British Energy owns or invests into offer a minimum of 10% community and 10% local ownership for each project.” This amendment seeks to ensure that all renewable energy projects in Wales which are owned or invested in by Great British Energy would be required to offer a 10% stake in community ownership i.e. for individuals and households, and a 10% stake of local ownership, i.e. any Wales-based organisation. Amendment 15, page 3 line 16, leave out “consult” and insert “receive the consent of”. This amendment would require that the Secretary of State receives consent from Welsh ministers before including in the strategic priorities and plans any matter concerns a subject matter provision about which would be within the legislative competence of Senedd Cymru, if contained in an Act of the Senedd. Amendment 7, in clause 6, page 3, line 38, at end insert— “(1A) The Secretary of State must give a specific direction to Great British Energy that it must report to the Secretary of State on the progress made by Great British Energy towards the strategic priority of reducing household energy bills by £300 in real terms by 1 January 2030. (1B) A report under subsection (1A) must include a projection of how Great British Energy’s activities are likely to affect consumer energy bills over the following five years. (1C) A report under subsection (1A) must be made within two years of the date of Royal Assent to this Act and annually thereafter. (1D) The Secretary of State must lay a report made under subsection (1A) before Parliament.” Amendment 9, page 3, line 38, at end insert— “(1A) The Secretary of State must give a specific direction to Great British Energy that it must report to the Secretary of State on the progress made by Great British Energy towards the strategic priority of creating 650,000 new jobs in the United Kingdom by 2030. (1B) A report under subsection (1A) must be made within two years of the date of Royal Assent to this Act and annually thereafter. (1C) The Secretary of State must lay a report made under subsection (1A) before Parliament.” Amendment 10, page 3, line 38, at end insert— “(1A) The Secretary of State must give a specific direction to Great British Energy that it must report to the Secretary of State on— (a) Great British Energy’s in-year return on investment, and (b) A forecast of the following year’s expected return on investment. (1B) A report under subsection (1A) must be made within two years of the date of Royal Assent to this Act and annually thereafter. (1C) The Secretary of State must lay a report under subsection (1A) before Parliament.” Amendment 14, page 3, line 38, at end insert— “(1A) The Secretary of State must, in particular, direct Great British Energy that any revenues generated from activities of Great British Energy in relation to resources located in Wales must be invested back into projects located in Wales.” This amendment would require the Secretary of State to ensure that all revenue generated by Great British Energy from resources in Wales are invested back into energy projects in Wales.