🌍 Community Energy (Review)

• Motion for Bill: Joe Morris, MP for Hexham, proposed a Bill to mandate a government review on the role of community energy in achieving the Clean Power 2030 mission.

• Personal Motivation: Morris’s interest in climate policy and clean energy drove his political career, motivated by a commitment to future generations.

• Community Engagement: The MP thanked local climate groups like Hexham Climate Café and the North Tyne climate action group for their involvement and also acknowledged the Co-operative party’s national efforts.

• Clean Power Mission: The government’s aim to reach net zero emissions by 2030 is seen as crucial for energy security, lower costs, job creation, and protection from climate change impacts.

• Great British Energy: Morris introduced the concept of Great British Energy, a public-owned entity that would invest in clean energy and benefit local communities through cheaper bills, new jobs, and economic growth via the local power plan.

• Community Energy Benefits: Community energy projects empower locals, enable the transition to net zero, and reduce reliance on imported electricity, thus lowering energy bills.

• Regional Focus: Highlighted the north-east’s potential in offshore wind and heat network projects, which could create skilled jobs and help in the green energy transition.

• Local Success Stories: Examples include Humshaugh Net Zero’s efforts led by Herbie Newell and David Still, which focus on low-carbon technologies and aim to power half of the parish’s electricity demand with a community solar farm.

• Review’s Purpose: The proposed review would assess how to support existing community energy projects, facilitate new ones, ensure funding availability, and consider how to expand small projects into larger initiatives while respecting local interests.

• Community Impact: Local projects in Prudhoe and Stocksfield demonstrate how community energy can enhance local cohesion and provide essential services during emergencies.

• Conclusion: Morris emphasized the importance of community energy for the Clean Power 2030 mission, highlighting its potential to provide affordable power and utilize local resources effectively.

• Bill Progress: The motion was agreed upon, and the Bill was set for its Second Reading on 11 July.

The transcript provided shows no disagreement or opposition to the motion presented by Joe Morris. The entire speech is in support of the motion to require a review of the contribution of community energy to the Government’s Clean Power 2030 mission. There are no counterarguments, interruptions, or dissenting voices mentioned throughout the session. The motion is put forward and agreed to without any noted opposition or debate, indicating a unanimous or at least non-contentious acceptance of the proposal. Therefore, the level of disagreement displayed in the session is minimal, warranting a rating of 1 on a scale of 1 to 5.