Welsh govt sets up publicly-owned renewables developer

The Welsh government has established a publicly-owned renewable energy developer tasked with accelerating the development of renewables projects, especially onshore wind, on the Welsh public estate.

Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru was launched on Monday by Economy Secretary Jeremy Miles at an event at the Feel Good Factory in Bryncynon. The new entity will collaborate with Natural Resources Wales to develop wind power parks on the woodland estate and plans to start engaging with communities close to initial sites “at the earliest opportunity.”

According to Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru’s website, the public developer aims to develop at least 250 MW of new renewable energy generation capacity by 2030 and another 750 MW by 2040.

“Owning our own renewables company on behalf of Wales will allow us not only to develop renewables in ways that fit with the natural environment but most importantly to provide us, and the people of Wales, with the ability to own the returns on what will be a significant investment,” said Jeremy Miles.

The plans of the new UK government also include setting up a new publicly-owned clean power company, called Great British Energy.

At the event, Jeremy Miles also announced the publication of the Welsh government’s Heat Strategy, setting out a path to decarbonising the heating sector.

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