Department for Energy Security and Net Zero written question – answered at on 17 November 2025.
Lisa Smart
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Cabinet Office)
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he plans to support the development of new hydroelectric projects in the North West.
Michael Shanks
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero), Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
Officials continue to engage with the British Hydropower Association regarding the future role of the UK’s remaining small-scale hydropower resource, estimated to be a maximum technical potential of around 1.5GW, in supporting the UK energy system. This includes consideration of opportunities in regions such as the North West.
Furthermore, the Smart Export Guarantee, which came into force on 1 January 2020, requires major electricity suppliers to offer a tariff for electricity exported by small low-carbon generators, including small-scale hydro.
Yes1 person thinks so
No2 people think not
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Secretary of State was originally the title given to the two officials who conducted the Royal Correspondence under Elizabeth I. Now it is the title held by some of the more important Government Ministers, for example the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
