Edwina Hart, Minister for Economy, Science and Transport
This was published under the 2011 to 2016 administration of the Welsh Government
During Plenary on 27 January a question was raised regarding the issue of prospective small scale renewable energy installations being unable to connect to the distribution network within a time scale and cost that supports their viability. As Minister with responsibility for strategic energy infrastructure, which includes all grid matters, I am issuing this statement to provide an update.
The Welsh Government is committed to supporting renewable energy generation, maximising the benefits from our natural resources wherever appropriate.
We are aware of the current network and grid constraints, and we are discussing the implications with UK Government and with Ofgem.
Whilst it is important that developers pay for the improvements that enable them to connect their generation to the grid, we are exploring opportunities to remove barriers for connection.
We will continue to work to address these issues for all scale of renewable energy developments.