Review to examine growth of Welsh renewables
Published 23 November 2020
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The Welsh Affairs Committee has launched an inquiry into how the UK Government can best support the development of the principality’s renewable energy resources.
The inquiry will look at the potential opportunities for developing and deploying renewables in Wales and how the Welsh and Westminster governments should work together to support these efforts.
It will also explore the mechanisms that can ensure subsidies for renewable generators are good value for money and the opportunities from greater interconnection with other electricity markets.
The terms of reference also cover the implications of COP26, due to be hosted in Glasgow next year, for Wales and the opportunities for renewable energy to aid the country’s post-Covid economic recovery.
Stephen Crabb MP, chair of the committee, said: “If the UK is to meet its aim of becoming carbon-neutral by 2050 the development and rollout of renewable energy generators will be absolutely vital.
“Not only do they provide a reliable and clean source for energy but are also a source of opportunity for high-skilled employment and investment. They can be an important part of the post-Covid economic recovery and Wales is uniquely placed to benefit from the energy transition, particularly in wind power and marine renewables.
“Our inquiry will look at how these advantages can best be harnessed and the cooperation and support between the UK and Welsh Governments that will be needed to make renewables work. Getting renewables right in Wales can help set the tone as the UK assumes a leadership role at COP26.”
Renewables’ contribution to Wales’ energy production, more than half of which is exported to the rest of the UK, increased from 17.7 per cent in 2016 to almost a quarter in 2018. The Welsh Government has committed to increasing this share to 70 per cent by 2030.
The Welsh Affairs Committee has previously examined the saga of the Swansea Bay tidal barrage, which hit the buffers two years ago when the Department of Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) said it could not offer the level of support required to enable its construction.
The committee invites written evidence submissions via its website until 15 February 2021.
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