VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Renewable Energy: Business

Asked by Connor NaismithLabourDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled Answered 17 January 2025UIN 23085

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what plans his Department has to ensure that (a) commercial and (b) retail units utilise (i) solar panels and (ii) other renewable energy sources.

Answered by Michael Shanks

Future building standards this year will set new homes and buildings on a path that moves away from relying on volatile fossil fuel markets and ensures they are fit for a net zero future.

Changes have been introduced to permitted development rights, enabling more solar installations to benefit from these flexibilities and planning freedoms.

The Government will assess the potential to drive the construction of solar canopies on outdoor carparks over a certain size through a call for evidence this year.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim