Rebecca Evans MS, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning
Today, I have published the Energy Generation in Wales 2023 report which is the latest annual report in our series of Energy Generation / Use in Wales reports.
I would like to reiterate our commitment to supporting the sector and developing policies to help us reach our renewable energy targets, including our vision to meet the equivalent of 100% of our electricity needs from renewable sources by 2035. Work continues to reduce barriers to planning decisions, as well as a sector deal and the offshore wind task and finish group. This activity will drive our ambition for a fair and just transition in Wales, ensuring the benefits of this renewable energy is retained in Wales for the good of the Welsh public.
We have taken action to reform the planning system making it more streamlined for renewable energy projects, to delegate decisions for smaller scale projects and to boost resources across the planning and consenting system. Wales maintains a strong pipeline of renewable energy projects.
The report provides a good indication of our direction of travel regarding renewable energy generation in Wales. I am delighted that we have already reached our 2030 target for 1GW of locally owned renewable generation in Wales. Key to retaining benefit and value in Wales is ensuring as much of the energy we generate is owned within Wales. Welsh Government activity led through Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru and Ynni Cymru will ensure Wales retains a greater share of benefits in Wales and that communities see the benefits of locally owned renewable generation in Wales.
It is projected that electricity demand will nearly triple by 2050 because of our decarbonising electrification work, so we need to keep striving to reach our targets year on year and make the most of the opportunities available to us to lead the way in generating electricity from renewable energy sources only.