New proposals will allow infrastructure planning decisions of
national significance to be taken more quickly.
Improvements to the planning system must continue if Wales is to
deliver on its decarbonisation, renewable energy and green jobs
ambitions, Economy, Energy and Planning Cabinet Secretary will say today.
Five decisions on major new renewable energy projects have been
approved by the Cabinet Secretary since her appointment in
September, contributing over 280 MW of renewable energy for Wales
– the equivalent to power more than 180,000 Welsh homes.
Speaking to representatives from across the renewable energy
sector at a packed Future Energy Wales conference at ICC Wales,
the Cabinet Secretary outlined plans to:
- Allow Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW) to take
decisions on renewable energy projects up to 50MW, reducing the
end-to-end decision time by at least 12 weeks
- Improve the capacity and resilience of planning services by
starting to address the shortage of planners at both local and
national levels
- Enhance Government planning resource to ensure that
Developments of National Significance (DNS) applications can be
considered quicker
In addition to the major renewable energy projects given the
green light by Welsh Government over recent weeks, inspector's
reports have been received by Ministers for five more
applications which are under active consideration and a further
15 applications at various stages of acceptance and examination.
The Cabinet Secretary will say:
“Planning makes a major contribution to green growth, and
accelerating infrastructure planning decisions is one of the
Welsh Government's top priorities. We need to make it as
efficient as possible for all concerned.
“We have already determined 10 DNS applications in 2024 compared
to last year's previous high of 7, with this number likely to
continue to rise.
“The further measures I'm announcing today will see the right
decisions made more quickly and provide assurances that the
planning system is there to support the opportunities that we
know are ahead of us in terms of leading a green revolution, both
at a UK level and internationally.
“Delegating decision making powers to PEDW on renewable energy
projects up to 50MW alone will significantly reduce the
end-to-end decision time, sometimes by several months, and,
delivered in conjunction with improvements elsewhere in the
system, will help ensure that the right projects are given
thorough consideration quicker.
“Ensuring that Wales has enough planners and related
professionals, with the right skills in the right areas, is also
fundamental to the delivery of Welsh Government policies, and a
wide-ranging consultation later this month will set out proposals
for improving the capacity and resilience of planning services.
"We all want to see a well-resourced, progressive planning system
and that's exactly what these proposals will help deliver."
On next steps for the renewable sector beyond planning reform,
the Cabinet Secretary added:
“Our next steps include working with industry to develop a sector
deal for renewable energy. The aim will be for government,
industry, and other stakeholders to articulate a shared vision
and actions to support the delivery of renewable energy projects.
We need actions to remove barriers and improve outcomes for
supply chains, skills, employment and community benefits.
“The Welsh Government remains steadfast in our commitment to
renewable energy. By working together with communities,
developers, and stakeholders, we can and will achieve our
renewable energy targets, boost our economy and support our
shared ambition for clean power by 2030.”
Notes to editors
Economy, Energy and Planning Cabinet Secretary will be available for
interview at the Future Energy Wales conference, at ICC Wales,
today - email economypressoffice@gov.wales to
submit an interview bid.
Today's announcement builds on decisive steps Welsh Government
have already taken to streamline the planning and consenting
processes for renewable energy projects.
The Infrastructure (Wales) Act will provide a new consenting
process that streamlines and unifies consenting arrangements for
renewables, as well as other large scale devolved infrastructure
projects in Wales. The subordinate legislation to implement the
Act is currently being consulted on. Industry must now take
the opportunity to help shape the legislation.
The Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate
Change and Rural Affairs, recently commissioned an independent
review of marine planning approaches. This review will
consider how Wales' marine planning system can best support
marine renewable energy while protecting and enhancing the marine
environment.
