Renewable energy deep dive biannual recommendations update 1 - Economy and social value

Recommendation  

We will work with the UK Government to bring new investment to ports in Wales. We will work with ports in Wales to identify opportunities for specialisation and collaboration, and to make Welsh ports investment ready. We call on The Crown Estate and UK Government to maximise the value of supply chain and infrastructure development opportunities in Wales from their leasing rounds.  

Key highlights / milestones  

Key highlights since the deep dive include:

• Working with Erebus to secure a Welsh Port as its preferred option for its project;
• Supporting applications for BEIS funding to support upgrades to the Floating Offshore Wind Manufacturing and Infrastructure Scheme (FLOWMIS).
   

Next steps towards completion

This recommendation will be an ongoing priority especially as FLOW opportunities are linked to the release of sea-bed leases as well as future decisions for the Contract for Difference process (see recommendation 11). Our priority actions over the next 6 months include:

• Discussions with the UK Infrastructure Bank on potential investment;
• Exploring a multiport strategy for Floating Offshore Wind (FLOW) by facilitating joint meetings to discuss a plan for the development of both Port Talbot and Pembroke;
• Investigating whether a ‘risk-share approach’ might be a feasible option, so that it includes match funding from Welsh Government, to raise funding for early-stage facilitative work for Port Talbot and Pembroke;
• Making the long-term investment business case for FLOW work from a revenue risk perspective, given the timing and visibility of the long-term development pipeline;
• Continuing to explore the opportunities to secure more funding for fixed wind in north Wales.

Recommendation    

As we develop a net zero skills action plan by spring 2022 we will support greater industry collaboration to maximise supply chain opportunities in Wales.

Key highlights / milestones    

This recommendation is progressing but to a revised timetable.

Key highlights since the deep dive include:

• Commissioning the Wales Centre for Public Policy to undertake a literature review on Net Zero Skills and test the findings with key stakeholders;
• Conducting extensive stakeholder engagement (internally and externally) to develop key actions/themes.

Next steps towards completion

This recommendation is due to be completed by the end of 2022 with an expected Net Zero Skills Action Plan published.
Our next steps over the next 6 months include:

• Further commissioning of evidence for a range of sectors, with expected consultation events being run during the autumn and winter 2022;
• Developing a pilot to test findings of skills gaps identified through the Personal Learning Accounts delivery;
• Final publication of Net Zero Skills Action Plan towards the end of 2022.

Recommendation  

Working with industry, we will scope a programme of work to maximise the installation of renewables, flexibility and storage on business and industrial sites. The programme will explore mechanisms to support and de-risk investment. 

Key highlights / milestones    

This recommendation is in progress with the newly established Net Zero Industry Wales set to take the lead in this programme.
Key highlights since the deep dive include:

• The Ministerial announcement of the formation of Net Zero Industry Wales;
• The recruitment of a CEO, and starting the process of the appointment of  a chair and board to lead this work programme.

Next steps towards completion

This recommendation will lead to an ongoing work programme for Net Zero Industry Wales. Our priorities over the next 6 months include:

• Completion of the governance of this body and an expected programme of works, including exploiting opportunities for industrial rooftop solar, to be published.