The Welsh Affairs Committee has today launched an inquiry looking
at how the UK Government, including in cooperation with Welsh
Ministers, can best support the development of renewable energy
in Wales.
Renewables’ contribution to Wales’ energy production increased
from 17.7% in 2016 to almost
a quarter in 2018. Wales exports more than half of its energy
to the rest of the UK.
On 18 November the Prime Minister announced that billions will be
spent on the Government’s 10-point plan
for a “green industrial revolution”. The plan is part of the UK’s
commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The
Welsh Government’s own commitment to 70% energy generation by
2030 will be a significant contributor to the wider UK goal.
Next year the UK will be hosting COP26, the UN’s climate change
summit, at which the Government hopes that all parties will
announce “credible targets” for reaching net-zero globally.
The Welsh Affairs Committee’s inquiry will look for the potential
opportunities for development and deployment of renewables in
Wales and how Cardiff and Westminster should work together to
support them. MPs will also examine the implications of COP26,
due to be hosted by the UK in November 2021, for Wales.
The Rt Hon , Chair of
the Welsh Affairs Committee said: “If the UK is meet its aim of
becoming carbon-neutral by 2050 the development and roll-out of
renewable energy generators will be absolutely vital.
Not only do they provide a reliable and clean source for energy
but are also a source of opportunity for high-skilled employment
and investment. They can be an important part of the post-Covid
economic recovery and Wales is uniquely placed to benefit from
the energy transition, particularly in wind power and marine
renewables.
Our inquiry will look at how these advantages can best be
harnessed and the cooperation and support between the UK and
Welsh Governments that will be needed to make renewables work.
Getting renewables right in Wales can help set the tone as the UK
assumes a leadership role at COP26.”
The Committee invites written evidence submissions addressing the
following points via the Committee’s website until 15 February
2020.
· How can the UK Government best support the deployment of
renewable generators in Wales?
· How should the UK and Welsh Governments work together to
support the development of renewable energy projects in
Wales?
· What mechanisms can ensure that subsidies for renewable
generators are good value for money?
· What opportunities are there for renewable generators in Wales
of greater interconnection with other electricity markets?
· How can the UK Government facilitate Welsh contributions to
COP26?
· What implications is COP26 expected to have for Wales?
· Has the COP26 Year of Climate Action had any significant
implications for Wales?
· What opportunities are there for renewable energy to aid Wales
post-COVID-19 economic recovery?
