TO BE PUBLISHED December 2024
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This conference will examine the future of energy in Wales.
It will examine priorities for the anticipated National Energy Plan for Wales, with aims to transition Wales to a net zero energy system by 2050 while ensuring a secure and affordable energy supply. The discussion also takes place in the context of:
- the new Government’s mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower
- the Welsh Government committing to a deal with Wales’ renewable energy sector
- the forthcoming Welsh Government consultations on CCUS and hydrogen power, expected to be launched shortly
The conference is an opportunity for stakeholders and policymakers to assess the way forward for decarbonising the Welsh energy sector, following significant developments such as the establishment of the publicly-owned renewable energy company Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru, as well as priorities for the recently announced Strategic spatial plan for energy infrastructure, commissioned by UK, Scottish and Welsh energy ministers with publication expected in 2026.
Discussion is expected on the pathway to transition and priorities for decarbonisation, including the potential role of CCUS and concerns around extending the use of fossil fuels, drawing on insights from projects being trialled in the UK and elsewhere, as well as innovation in areas such as hydrogen.
Sessions will assess the long-term development of renewable energy in Wales, considering the role of Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru in expanding community-owned renewable energy projects, and the impact of policies such as the lifting of the onshore wind ban. There will also be discussion on speeding up the planning process as the Welsh Government consults on streamlining consenting for major infrastructure projects.
Implications of the UK Government’s planned National Wealth Fund and the establishment of Great British Energy will be considered, examining how these initiatives can support Wales in achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
There will also be a focus on addressing challenges related to energy infrastructure, including options for addressing grid capacity constraints, connectivity and strategies for future-proofing to support the increasing adoption of renewable energy sources. Sessions will review recent legislative developments such as the Infrastructure (Wales) Act 2024, which introduces significant changes to the planning and consenting process, looking at how these can best be structured to facilitate the timely delivery of energy projects.
Delegates will also examine opportunities and challenges in resources, supply chains and workforce development, exploring strategies for upskilling, training and apprenticeships to meet the demands of the evolving energy sector.
Further areas for discussion include the role of community energy ownership and calls from stakeholders regarding the devolution of the Crown Estate, exploring how revenues from offshore wind projects can directly benefit Welsh communities.
Overall, areas for discussion include:
- policy: preparing for the National Energy Plan - sector priorities - impact of new UK government policy on Wales, including the establishment of Great British Energy and the National Wealth Fund
- decarbonisation: examining pathways to reduce emissions in the Welsh energy sector - evaluating the role of CCUS, hydrogen and nuclear - addressing concerns over continued fossil fuel use
- renewables: priorities for Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru - advancing renewable energy projects - impact of lifting the onshore wind ban at a UK level on Wales
- infrastructure: addressing grid capacity constraints - improving connectivity and transfer networks - future-proofing infrastructure to support renewables
- planning: implications of the Infrastructure (Wales) Act 2024 - streamlining planning and consenting processes
- community energy: pathways to expanding community-owned projects - integrating local energy needs into planning - fostering local partnerships
- investment: exploring funding models - attracting private and community investment - establishing expert groups to increase investment
- skills: addressing workforce shortages - opportunities for upskilling and training - developing apprenticeships and career pathways
- supply chains: identifying resource issues - building Welsh supply chains - mitigating supply chain risks
- environment: ensuring renewable development supports biodiversity - balancing environmental impacts with energy goals - considering net benefits for nature
- Crown Estate: discussing calls for devolution to the Welsh Government - offshore wind revenues and benefit to Welsh communities
All delegates will be able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices, and more widely. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates. As well as key stakeholders, those due to attend include parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Commons and officials from the Welsh Government; MHCLG; DESNZ; CCC; DBT; DfE, NI; UKIB; Planning Inspectorate; and The Scottish Government.
