Lords quiz Energy Minister on EU energy policy

Having previously heard from witnesses including senior European Commission officials, Members of the European Parliament, Dieter Helm, Martin Wolf, energy and finance experts and, in last week's penultimate session, the UK's energy regulator, Ofgem, and the National Grid, the Committee will press the Minister on issues including:

• what role energy investment can play in driving economic recovery, particularly at a time when investment costs are low;
• how the Government is working with investors to identify how to encourage greater investment in the energy system;
• if the Government will provide a cast-iron commitment that it will no longer delay signing up to projects demonstrating Carbon Capture and Storage, deemed by the Government in its Gas Strategy to be a crucial technology in support of gas;
• the Government's blueprint for the future of the Emissions Trading System;
• his thoughts on the key pillars of the 2030 EU energy policy framework;
• why interconnection with other Member States can't guarantee the UK's energy supply;
• whether the Government agrees that the 2020 target for renewable energy has been helpful in boosting investment in the sector and, if so, why they do not support post-2020 targets; and
• the Government's plans and ideas for a future energy system that allows for market developments and technological innovations.

The evidence session will take place at 11am on Wednesday 13 February in Committee Room 3A.

The sessions will be webcast live at www.parliamentlive.tv and are also open to the public. Journalists wishing to attend should go to Parliament's Cromwell Green Entrance and should allow time for security screening.