Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans has praised the Government’s decision to invest £246 million to develop new battery technology.

It was revealed yesterday that the move could save consumers between £17 billion and £40 billion by 2050 by energy regulator Ofgem.

New rules and technology will by make it easier for people to generate their own power with solar panels, store it in batteries and sell it to the National Grid.

Secretary of State for Business, and Energy Greg Clark announced the investment as part of the government’s modern industrial strategy.

Tory backbencher Mr Evans said:“I am thrilled with the massive investment announced by Greg Clark .

“This funding stream will bring together different sectors, and will require a joint effort between entrepreneurs, scientists and researchers, industries, and local and national government.

“I will be supporting calls for a portion of this investment to be used across businesses and industries in the Ribble Valley and East Lancashire.”

Mr Clark, who visited Lancashire in May , said on Monday: “For all our citizens to be able to look forward with confidence to a prosperous future, we need to plan to improve our ability to earn that prosperity.”

The modern industrial strategy was launched by the Prime Minister in January with the aim of helping Britain’s economy after Brexit