Wales’ Economy Secretary has officially launched a new publicly-owned renewables developer to accelerate the rollout of green energy projects across the wider Welsh public estate. Called Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru – which translates as Green Electricity Wales – the new venture will primarily focus on boosting onshore wind capacity in Wales and ensuring new projects deliver maximum value for the Welsh public.
Based in Merthyr Tydfil, the firm will work alongside Natural Resources Wales to develop wind farms on its woodland estate, for example, by engaging with communities near initial sites at the earliest opportunity.
Speaking at the launch event for the new venture, Cabinet Secretary for the Economy, Energy, and the Welsh Language, Jeremy Miles, said the company would bolster the Welsh Government’s long-term plans for a greener, more sustainable energy system.
“There is no question that clean energy is central to a more prosperous Wales and a better future for our communities,” he said. “We are already making progress in offshore wind and today marks an important step in the right direction for onshore, and in particular large scale, Welsh owned onshore projects. There are enormous opportunities here.
“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. We have a long road ahead and we will not start generating income for Wales for some years – but the work to better secure our energy future starts today.”
Miles also today announced the publication of a cross-government Heat Strategy, setting out plans for decarbonising the heating of homes, commercial properties, and industry across Wales.
Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru’s goals include developing a minimum of 250MW of new renewable energy generation capacity by 2030 and an additional 750MW of new capacity by 2040, subject to grid capacity being available.
The firm has already identified large areas of the Welsh Government’s Woodland Estate – which covers more than 126,000 hectares, or almost six per cent of the country’s total land mass – that could be suitable for wind energy development.
“In Wales, we have a history of social collaboration and engagement, which Trydan will continue,” said chief executive officer Richard Evans. “For people to support more and faster deployment, the renewable sector will need to visibly embed benefits into local communities, invest more in Welsh and UK supply chains, and help residents and businesses worried about energy bills.”
Article Source: Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru: Welsh Government launches publicly-owned green energy developer | BusinessGreen News