Renewable UK Cymru says a rapid expansion of grid capacity is needed if Wales is to meet its proposed target of 100% of electricity needs from renewable sources by 2035.
Wales currently has 1.98GW of installed wind energy generation capacity, 63% of it onshore. According to data from RenewableUK’s Energy Pulse team, Wales has another 3.95GW of wind energy projects in the planning pipeline, requiring double the grid capacity currently available.
Future growth in capacity is slightly weighted towards fixed offshore wind (52%), but an additional 4GW of floating offshore wind is planned from the Celtic Sea region of Wales and Southwest England. This would significantly alter the balance in favour of floating offshore wind.
Jessica Hooper, RenewableUK Cymru Director said, “We are committed to enabling an energy system underpinned by a diverse mix of renewables which creates value for the people of Wales. A grid fit for future generations is key to enabling our success and will be a pivotal player in Wales’ green energy transition. Without investment, we stand to miss out on the many positive benefits wind energy brings – from lower electricity bills, energy security, jobs, decarbonising our homes and industry, right through to community benefits and habitat restoration.”
She added, “Strong collaboration between the UK and Welsh Government is vital to overcoming this issue. We welcome the reform to Ofgem’s mandate to give the energy regulator a statutory duty to assist in the delivery of net zero, but now we need to see a clear programme of anticipatory investment in Wales.”