RenewableUK Cymru pushes for renewable energy reforms in Wales

RenewableUK Cymru is urging the next UK Government to set technology-specific targets to support the goal of meeting 100% of electricity demand from renewable sources by 2035.

As the UK General Election approaches, energy policy is a key issue. The RenewableUK Cymru’s 2024 Manifesto calls for a Four Nations Taskforce to align policies between the UK and Welsh Governments.

An Opinium poll revealed that nine out of ten people in Wales want renewable energy to be a key focus for the next government. Between 65% and 79% of the surveyed support renewable sources such as tidal, hydro, solar, and wind. 

Also, 62% back new electricity grid infrastructure for faster renewable energy deployment, with only 6% of the surveyed opposed, said RenewableUK Cymru.

RenewableUK Cymru has set seven asks to ensure Wales’s contribution to the UK’s net zero aspiration: 

1. Four-Nations Taskforce: Create a collaborative task force to accelerate renewable energy deployment across the UK,
2. Welsh Targets: Support the Welsh Government in setting specific deployment targets and an action plan for 100% renewable electricity by 2035 and net zero by 2050,
3. Consenting and planning: Ensure clear requirements and alignment for intergovernmental planning, with sufficient resources for consenting bodies,
4. Transmission grid: Prioritize a new North to South Wales transmission grid and strategic grid solutions for the Celtic Sea to harness offshore wind potential,
5. Skills development: Recognize Welsh Net Zero sector skills within UK-level skills development to secure jobs and manage workforce mobility,
6. Financial intervention: Provide large-scale financial support for Welsh ports to upgrade for offshore wind and enhance local supply chains,
7. Investment coordination: Improve coordination between the Development Bank of Wales and the UK Infrastructure Bank to fund renewables and infrastructure, supporting SMEs and inward investment.

Only a quarter of Wales’ energy comes from renewable sources such as wind, solar, hydro, and tidal. Increasing renewable energy use will improve energy security, reduce electricity costs, boost the competitiveness of Welsh businesses, and create thousands of jobs across the country, said Renewable UK Cymru.

“We are not building enough renewable energy projects to meet our growing electricity demand. We urge the next UK Government to establish a four nations taskforce, in collaboration with the Welsh Government and industry, to accelerate the transition to renewables across the UK. At this crucial moment in a competitive global market, we need a government ready to stand up and seize this opportunity for Wales,” said Jess Hooper, Director of RenewableUK Cymru.

“Over the next decade, Wales needs to quadruple its wind power capacity—from both onshore and offshore sources. A clean energy future will safeguard our energy security, provide lower-cost electricity to ease the cost of living for households, boost the competitiveness of Welsh businesses and supply chains, and support thousands of jobs nationwide.”

Talking about asks regarding renewables for the next UK government, on June 4, 2024, the UK Marine Energy Council (MEC) outlined five key asks for the upcoming Government to realize the potential of wave and tidal energy, and embed UK content into domestic and international projects.