The controversial Tory MP leaves the department to take up his new position as minister without portfolio.
Hayes’ six month stint as a member of DECC’s top ministerial team has been eventful with energy secretary Ed Davey forced to intervene and re-assert government policy in October, following anti-windfarm remarks made by Hayes to the press.
Michael Fallon, a fellow Conservative, will carry out his new duties alongside his existing role as minister for business and enterprise.
Energy secretary, Ed Davey, said: “John and I have worked well together as an effective team, and I’m especially grateful for his work on steering the Energy Bill through parliament. I wish him well in his new post.
“I am delighted to welcome Michael Fallon to DECC. He brings with him a wealth of business experience and will make an excellent addition to the team.
“He will help to cement the links I’ve been making across government as energy is such a critical industry for the UK’s growth prospects, and the creation of green jobs.
“We will continue to implement the energy and climate change policies that this coalition government has committed to, ensuring we can keep the lights on, people’s energy bills down and cut emissions to tackle climate change.”
Michael Fallon said: “Both departments share a strong focus on business and the economy and I am delighted to be given the opportunity to build on their cross cutting work on this agenda.
“This week has seen the launch of important industrial strategies for the nuclear and oil and gas sectors to secure future billions of investment, thousands of jobs and a diverse energy mix. A strategy for offshore wind will be completed in the coming weeks.
“Energy policy has a key role to play in securing sustainable future growth in the economy, strengthening supply chains, keeping people’s bills down and tackling climate change.”