4. Statement by the Minister for Climate Change: Energy Policy

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:40 pm on 8 November 2022.

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Photo of Samuel Kurtz Samuel Kurtz Conservative 3:40, 8 November 2022

I'm grateful to the Minister for her statement this afternoon, and one specific point that I picked up on was the clarification around the use of blue hydrogen as a transition towards the use of green hydrogen. And the Minister will be aware that, earlier today in my FMQ, I spoke about floating offshore wind and the possibilities of that off the south Pembrokeshire coast, and how that renewable can lend itself to green hydrogen production as well. So I'm grateful for that point of clarification.

But could I also stress another company that the Minister mentioned in response to Delyth Jewell was Valero, and, while not directly mentioned in your statement, the importance of the emissions trading scheme? And, can I just plead with the Minister to ensure that communication is still ongoing with Valero and other businesses in the south Wales industrial cluster around the emissions trading scheme and the importance that that scheme lends to the decarbonisation of these really important employers. Because, while we want to get to net zero, these employers still provide jobs and support communities and families at this moment, and you can't just switch off these businesses at this present moment. So, if I could just plead for her to continue those discussions, I'd be most grateful. Thank you, Dirprwy Lywydd.