MS, Cabinet Secretary for
Economy, Energy and Planning: Today, I have published
the Energy Generation in Wales
2023 report which is the latest annual report in our series
of Energy Generation / Use in Wales reports.
I would like to reiterate our commitment to supporting the sector
and developing policies to help us reach our renewable energy
targets, including our vision to meet the equivalent of 100% of
our electricity needs from renewable sources by 2035. Work
continues to reduce barriers to planning decisions, as well as a
sector deal and the offshore wind task and finish group. This
activity will drive our ambition for a fair and just transition
in Wales, ensuring the benefits of this renewable energy is
retained in Wales for the good of the Welsh public.
We have taken action to reform the planning system making it more
streamlined for renewable energy projects, to delegate decisions
for smaller scale projects and to boost resources across the
planning and consenting system. Wales maintains a strong pipeline
of renewable energy projects.
The report provides a good indication of our direction of travel
regarding renewable energy generation in Wales. I am delighted
that we have already reached our 2030 target for 1GW of locally
owned renewable generation in Wales. Key to retaining benefit and
value in Wales is ensuring as much of the energy we generate is
owned within Wales. Welsh Government activity led through Trydan
Gwyrdd Cymru and Ynni Cymru will ensure Wales retains a greater
share of benefits in Wales and that communities see the benefits
of locally owned renewable generation in Wales.
It is projected that electricity demand will nearly triple by
2050 because of our decarbonising electrification work, so we
need to keep striving to reach our targets year on year and make
the most of the opportunities available to us to lead the way in
generating electricity from renewable energy sources only.
