The Economy Secretary officially launched the
publicly-owned renewable energy developer for Wales, Trydan
Gwyrdd Cymru today.
The company has been established to accelerate the development of
renewable energy projects, particularly onshore wind, on the
wider Welsh public estate and maximise their value for the people
of Wales.
The Trydan Gwyrdd team, based in Merthyr Tydfil, will be working
alongside Natural Resources Wales to develop wind farms on the
woodland estate. They will begin engaging with communities near
initial sites at the earliest opportunity.
At the launch in Bryncynon, set out the Welsh
Government's long-term plans for a greener, more sustainable
energy supply and decarbonisation and announced the publication
of a Heat Strategy.
, Cabinet Secretary for the
Economy, Energy and the Welsh Language said:
“There is no question that clean energy is central to a more
prosperous Wales and a better future for our communities. I hope
today's announcements show how we will make the energy transition
benefit Wales, both now and in the future.
“We are already making progress in offshore wind and today marks
an important step in the right direction for onshore, and in
particular large scale, Welsh owned onshore projects. There are
enormous opportunities here.
“Owning our own renewables company on behalf of Wales will allow
us not only to develop renewables in ways that fit with the
natural environment but most importantly to provide us, and the
people of Wales, with the ability to own the returns on what will
be a significant investment.
“We have a long road ahead and we will not start generating
income for Wales for some years – but the work to better secure
our energy future starts today.”
UK Government Energy Secretary said:
“The people of Wales will benefit hugely from the sustainable,
homegrown clean power from Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru.
“I look forward to working closely with the Welsh Government as
we make Britain a clean energy superpower, including setting out
the first steps of Great British Energy, boosting our energy
independence and bring down bills for good.”
Richard Evans, Chief Executive Officer of Trydan,
said:
“In Wales, we have a history of social collaboration and
engagement, which Trydan will continue. for people to support
more and faster deployment, the renewable sector will need to
visibly embed benefits into local communities, invest more in
Welsh and UK supply chains, and help residents and businesses
worried about energy bills.
“Today we launch our engagement seeking to bring Welsh citizens
with us on this exciting journey. Next, we'll be reaching out to
local communities to discuss very early plans associated with
priority projects on the Welsh woodland estate.
“There are great professionals within the industry in Wales – I'm
happy to have recruited several to work alongside me in Trydan –
and we look forward to working with all key players, including
communities, on strategic goals and on shaping our projects from
their inception."
During the launch event at the Feel Good Factory in Bryncynon
this morning, the Welsh Government also published its
cross-Government Heat Strategy – setting out a roadmap
for decarbonising the heating of homes, commercial
properties and industry as part of its Net Zero commitments.
With heating accounting for 50% of energy use in Wales, 75% of
which is generated using fossil fuels, the strategy looks across
homes, businesses, industry and the public sector at what each
area will need to put in place to achieve a low carbon energy
system.
One example being considered is whether warm water in old mine
workings can be used to heat homes in former mining communities.
This work is at a very early stage but the Coal Authority have
produced detailed maps highlighting where there is potential
accessible minewater and the Welsh Government will support them
and identified local authorities in maximising the unintended
opportunities from Wales' coaling heritage to support the
delivery of a net zero society.
Notes to editors
Trydan Gwyrdd's website will be available from Monday morning:
trydangwyrddcymru.wales
/ trydangwyrddcymru.cymru
This website features a 5 min introductory film in Welsh and
English which may be useful for footage/B-roll
Trydan's current outreach and engagement is accessible here: “You
first!” – “Ti'n gyntaf!”: YOU First! | Trydan Gwyrdd
Cymru / TI'n gyntaf! | Trydan Gwyrdd
Cymru
