Welsh industry sets out Clean Power Plan
Wales’ renewable energy industry calls on the devolved government to 'back a bold, joined-up clean power strategy'.
RenewableUK Cymru believes ,if they do not, they risk billions in investment, thousands of skilled jobs and millions in community funding flowing to other parts of the UK.
RenewableUK Cymru says the Cymru Clean Power: Call for Government 2026 report outlines how Wales could unlock a £10bln economic opportunity with the delivery of home-grown energy – if government and industry work together in a formal Cymru Clean Power Partnership.
It states electricity demand in Wales is projected to double – potentially triple – by 2050. Electrified heavy industry, electric vehicles and heat pumps will all add to this. Yet most of Wales’ electricity still comes from imported gas, exposing households and businesses to volatile global prices.
It also states Wales has 'some of the best wind and tidal resources in Europe'.
RenewableUK Cymru’s says by accelerating large-scale wind, solar and tidal projects Wales can:
- Unlock £10bln for Welsh businesses
- Support 8,000 secure, skilled jobs
- Deliver average salaries of £49,000 – around £10,000 above the Welsh average
- Generate up to £183mln in community benefit funding over the next decade
- Protect households from price volatility by reducing reliance on imported gas
It proposes, 'Wales must also modernise and increase its grid network that connects power to homes, businesses and industry. Without this, new renewable projects will stall, investment decisions will drift elsewhere, and emerging industries that depend on abundant, reliable electricity will look beyond Wales.'
At the heart of the call on government is the proposed Cymru Clean Power Partnership – a two-way agreement between government and industry. Under the proposal:
Government would commit to:
- Clear, technology-specific targets for wind, solar and tidal
- A faster, well-resourced planning system
- Cost-effective grid modernisation
- A stable, long-term policy and investment framework
Industry would commit to:
- Skilled, well-paid Welsh jobs
- Strong local supply chains
- Consistent, transparent community benefit standards
- Delivering measurable local economic and environmental value
Jessica Hooper, Director of RenewableUK Cymru, says, ‘As parties set out their priorities for Wales, energy is our defining economic choice. Clean energy is one of the UK’s fastest-growing industries. Wales has the natural resources, the projects in the pipeline, and investors ready to go.
‘But without a grid fit for the future, that opportunity will not be realised.
‘A Cymru Clean Power Partnership would turn potential into delivery - securing affordable, home-grown energy, billions in investment, thousands of well-paid jobs and millions in funding for communities across Wales.’
RenewableUK Cymru is urging all parties contesting the election to commit to the Cymru Clean Power Partnership to secure jobs, anchor investment.
