Energy

Welsh Government sets 2035 target for 100% renewable energy

The Welsh Government has outlined what it claims are “ambitious but credible” plans for 100% renewable energy by 2035.
_
James Evison

The Welsh Government has outlined what it claims are “ambitious but credible” plans for 100% renewable energy by 2035.

Climate Change Minister Julie James has said its electricity needs will come completely  from renewable sources by 2035. Wales currently generates 55% of its electricity from renewables.

Local ownership

Additionally, James also said that 1.5GW of renewable energy will be “locally owned” by 2035, excluding heat pumps – where there is a 5.5GW target, subject to UK Government support being scaled up and cost reductions in the technology.

The minister said Wales’ infrastructure and supply chain would be “key” to hitting revised targets and revealed details of £1m funding to explore the potential of offshore wind, which will be match-funded by Associated British Ports for preparatory work to enable future floating offshore wind projects to deploy from Wales.

High ambitions

James said: “Our previous targets signalled our high ambitions for renewable energy and this Government’s desire to move away from a use of, and reliance on, fossil fuels.

“The evidence is clear that towards the end of this decade we will need to rapidly ramp up our generation of electricity to meet our energy needs.

“The renewable energy target proposals that we are consulting on today are ambitious, but credible.”

Once-in-a-generation

Andrew Harston, Regional Director, Wales & Short Sea Ports added: “This support is key to the construction of transformational infrastructure, which will enable the manufacturing, integration and assembly of floating offshore wind components at Port Talbot.

“The roll-out of floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity for South Wales to lead a global market and will play a major role in contributing to Wales and the UK’s net zero targets. By doing so it will support and create thousands of long-term, high-quality jobs.”

Image courtesy of the Welsh Government

Related content

ev battery
Vehicle manufacturers

Britain’s vehicle plants generate 60.3GWh of renewable energy

Britain’s car and commercial vehicle plants generated a record 60.3GWh of renewable electricity last year, according to ...
highways
News

UK Government gives green light to 50 road and rail upgrades

More than 50 road and rail upgrades have been given the green light by the UK Government, including local upgrades along...

Input your search keywords and press enter.

Be the first to know. Subscribe to our newsletter and never miss a story.

Our weekly newsletter delivers a round-up of the top stories from the sectors, along with our insight on the main events that week. Our highly engaged subscribers find our newsletter essential reading as a snapshot of what’s happening.