Prime Minister Kier Starmer and Wales’ First Minister Eluned Morgan have joined forces to ‘supercharge’ the mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower.
As part of an official visit, the two leaders committed to investing heavily in renewable energy development in Wales and the rest of Britain through the newly launched Great British Energy and public renewable energy developer in Wales, Trydan Gwrdd Cymru.
Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru was developed in just 12 months officially launched last month. According to the government, the company is on track to produce 1 GW of clean energy by 2040, with a particular focus on developing onshore wind energy.
First Minister of Wales Eluned Morgan said: “Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru is a sustainable, long-term investment that puts net zero and Welsh communities at the heart of the energy transition. While the previous UK government focused on fracking and fossil fuels – which were opposed by most communities and incompatible with our international obligations – we have taken positive action to ensure we meet our environmental obligations.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer added: “We have inherited an inconsistent energy policy that has left homes across the country vulnerable to skyrocketing energy bills. But the Welsh Government has taken important steps that we can now build on, and I am determined that Wales is at the heart of our mission to make Britain an energy superpower, with renewables powering homes across the country. provide power.
“Great British Energy will put the whole of Britain on the right path to achieving the independence we need, while helping to deliver lower bills for households and businesses and creating the next generation of skilled jobs.”
Solar energy and storage in Wales
In recent times, Wales has seen a flurry of activity in the battery energy storage systems (BESS) sector, with several major projects having been granted planning permission or begun construction.
In June, power producer RWE announced it was progressing with proposals for a 350 MW BESS to be located next to its Pembroke power station, while a 460 MWh BESS is currently under construction in Uskmouth, South Wales, a partnership between E. ON and Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners.
Meanwhile, in the solar sector, Windel Energy and Canadian Solar subsidiary Recurrent Energy recently received planning permission for a 9.9 MW solar project near Talbot Green.
