VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Armed Forces: Electricity

Asked by Graeme DownieLabourMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 22 July 2026UIN 18903

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate he has made of the level of future use of electricity by each branch of the armed forces.

Answered by Luke Pollard

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) does not hold a single estimate of future electricity use by each Front-Line Command of the Armed Forces. Future electricity demand will depend on a range of factors, including operational requirements, changes to the defence estate, technological developments and the electrification of equipment and infrastructure.

As we see a greater electrification of the battlefield, there will be new challenges on generation and transmission of electricity for defence. We are cognisant of these issues and working to deliver solutions to meet these challenges.

The MOD is pursuing opportunities to improve energy efficiency and enhance sustainable energy generation and resilience across the defence estate through targeted investment and commercial partnerships. This will ensure that future energy requirements can be met in support of operational effectiveness.

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