Green Energy Threatened By Grid Capacity

A group of MPs says there's a significant threat to economic growth in Wales because green energy suppliers are having problems connecting to the National Grid.

The Welsh Affairs Committee says Wales’ renewable energy potential, and the green jobs and skills needed to reach net zero, are threatened by a lack of UK Government leadership on improving grid connectivity.

In turn, they say it's putting economic growth at risk for communities across Wales wanting to develop projects such as floating offshore wind and tidal energy.

The committee says reforming the grid MUST be a priority to support demand for green energy, and to allow Wales to reach its Net Zero target.

The inquiry follows the Committee’s previous inquiry, Renewable energy in Wales. The Committee argued that Wales could be a leader in renewable energy, with strengths in onshore and offshore wind, solar, wave and tidal energy. However, it found that infrastructure issues, such as grid capacity, could hinder renewable energy projects and pose a significant challenge to the ambitions of both the UK and Welsh governments in meeting net zero commitments.

During this latest inquiry, the committee will be considering the current constraints facing the grid. It will then make recommendations to Government on what measures should be taken to ensure it can cope with added demands as the UK moves towards net zero.

Stephen Crabb, Chair of the Welsh Affairs Committee, said: “A grid fit for the 21st Century must be able to support a new generation of renewable energy projects as well as extensive electric vehicle charging.

“As our committee found last year, grid capacity poses potentially serious barriers to Wales becoming a world leader in renewable energy.

"Our committee has today launched this inquiry to delve deeper into what the potential roadblocks are, and how they can be addressed so we remain on track to meet our net zero commitments.”

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