The Welsh Government and the country’s renewable energy industry have signed an agreement to help the country achieve its clean energy goals while benefiting the communities it serves.
The Renewable Energy Sector Deal is the result of a strategic partnership between the Welsh Government and a group of developers, technology leaders and representatives from relevant industry bodies from the renewable energy sector in Wales, reporting to a Task and Finish Group. These groups include solar trade body Solar Energy UK.
The Sector Deal will focus on onshore and offshore wind, solar, maritime and hydropower systems, with a design to accelerate their implementation. Furthermore, the Sector Deal aims to strengthen supply chains and the workforce in the field of sustainable energy.
“Solar energy is vital for Wales – for the economy, for jobs and for decarbonising the economy,” Solar Energy UK said after the deal was launched. “Buoyed by the recent announcement that solar or other sources of renewable energy will become a requirement for new build homes, we look forward to significant growth across Wales in the coming years.”
By 2035, the Welsh Government aims to deliver at least 1.5 GW of locally managed renewable energy capacity.
These factors highlight the importance of a solid renewable energy infrastructure in the country; Earlier this year, the government ordered rooftop solar projects for new construction projects.
“The energy generation and energy consumption report also shows that we are making progress towards our sustainable energy targets,” said Rebecca Evans, Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning.
“Combine this with the record 20 major renewable energy projects, totaling 1,400 MW, to receive support in the UK government’s latest Contracts for Difference (CfD) auction round, and it is clear that we are creating the environment for a more resilient, renewable energy-driven future.”
The publication of the report also coincides with the publication of the latest report on energy generation and energy use in Wales, which shows that renewable energy generation in Wales was equivalent to 54% of the country’s electricity consumption in 2024.
Overall, Wales’ target is to cover 70% of consumption by 2030 and 100% by 2035. and has already set targets to reduce CO2 emissions by 72% by 2035.
“Our ambition is to become the world leader in renewable energy, job creation and green growth to make Welsh families more prosperous and help with the cost of living,” said Rebecca Evans.
“The current conflict in the Middle East has further highlighted the importance of energy independence. Our Renewable Energy Sector Deal will provide a strong foundation for the future supply of renewable energy – for the benefit of our economy, environment and energy security.”
Official launch of the Morlais tidal energy project
Evans will launch the Sector Deal during a visit to the Morlais tidal energy project in Anglesey, owned by social enterprise Menter Môn, in which the Welsh Government owns an £8 million (US$10.7 million) equity stake. It will be the largest approved tidal project in Europe.
“The Morlais project is a strong example of how a sustainable partnership can unlock Wales’ natural energy resources and transform them into sustainable economic opportunities for local communities and businesses,” Evans explains.
Dafydd Gruffydd, Managing Director of Menter Môn, said: “The Renewable Energy Sector Deal is an important step in accelerating the growth of renewable energy in Wales and across the UK.
“For Menter Môn, it recognizes the important role that marine energy programs like Morlais can play in strengthening energy security, creating high-quality jobs and delivering long-term economic benefits for local communities like Anglesey.”
The full document of the Welsh Government’s Renewable Energy Sector Deal for Wales can be found here.
