Rural Electricity Grid
Investment: Electric Vehicles
(Carmarthen East and Dinefwr) (Ind)
What recent discussions he has had with electricity network
distribution operators on the adequacy of investment in rural
electricity grids to meet potential demand as a result of a
transition to electric vehicles.
The Minister for Business, Energy and Clean Growth ()
Distribution network operators are incentivised to ensure
adequate investment in electricity networks under the framework
set by the independent regulator, Ofgem. My officials regularly
meet distribution network operators to discuss impacts of the
electric vehicle transition, including in rural areas.
[V]
Diolch, Mr Speaker. Achieving Wales’s ambitious climate targets
would require a rapid transition to electric vehicles, yet
currently just 0.17% of vehicles used in Wales are electric. One
of the biggest barriers to the transition is grid capacity,
particularly in rural areas. Will the Minister outline how she
will future-proof the grid in Wales, especially after the
concerns expressed by the former deputy national security
adviser, Paddy McGuinness, that the integrated review published
last week failed to focus on the dangers that a future
cyber-attack on the grid would pose as the EV transition
accelerates?
The majority of the UK Government’s infrastructure grant schemes
are available in Wales, and we are working with the Welsh
Government to ensure that there are strong and co-ordinated plans
in place to support the roll-out of charging infrastructure. We
recognise the particular challenges that some rural areas may
face across the UK, such as longer distances between substations,
and Ofgem has set up a funding framework to ensure that our
electricity network supports our net zero ambitions.
