At Future Energy Wales, UK and Welsh Government officials held pivotal talks aimed at strengthening their partnership to accelerate clean energy progress across the UK. The discussions focused on dismantling obstacles to wind energy deployment to drive green jobs and economic growth.
Rebecca Evans MS, Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy, and Planning and Michael Shanks MP, UK Minister for Energy, and led the discussions, with both officials emphasising a shared commitment to a clean energy future.
In her keynote address, delivered to a packed audience at Newport’s ICC, Rebecca Evans announced plans to delegate decisions for renewable energy projects up to 50MW to planning inspectors to reduce wait times for consents.
“In Wales we have been developing plans to meet our energy needs at the local, regional and national level for some years and have recently taken decisive steps to streamline the planning and consenting processes for renewable energy projects as well as ensuring we have skilled planners in place. We recognise that a clear and efficient regulatory framework is essential for attracting investment and expediting project delivery.”
Although consenting delays have historically slowed progress for wind projects in Wales, six approvals this year for onshore wind projects and the delegation measures announced today signal that Welsh Government is making accelerated planning decisions a priority.
Appearing on stage alongside Evans, Shanks said, “Wales has a proud history of powering Britain – from the coal miners who fuelled this country to become what it is today, to embracing our renewable energy future.
“Not only does Wales have an abundance of coastline and strong winds, it also has the technological prowess to help start a new chapter in our energy story that delivers good, well paid, skilled jobs and economic prosperity for communities across the UK.
“By working together, including through our partnership between Great British Energy and The Crown Estate, we can deliver on our clean energy mission to boost our energy security, reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and protect billpayers for good.”
A new report from RenewableUK, set for release in the coming weeks, will outline recommended mechanisms to foster a more unified, four-nations approach to achieving the UK’s renewable energy targets.
Jessica Hooper, Director of RenewableUK Cymru, said, “As an industry, we’re eager to see a clearer framework emerge on the contributions each region can make toward net zero goals and how resources will be shared to achieve this.”
