RenewableUK Cymru has called for transparent plans to develop Wales' renewable energy project pipeline. The report emphasizes that wind power could potentially generate 9,000 megawatts (MW) of energy over the next decade, provided an ambitious delivery plan with enabling actions is set in motion promptly.
The Welsh government has set a goal to meet all of the country's electricity demand from renewable sources by 2035, with the majority coming from onshore and offshore wind. Solar, tidal, hydro, and other sources are expected to contribute significantly to the remaining energy needs.
However, the report reveals that while there are numerous projects in the pipeline, over three-quarters of this capacity remains unbuilt, with more than half still in the early stages of development and awaiting entry into the planning system. To meet its 2035 target, Wales must increase its deployment more than fourfold, from the current 2 gigawatts (GW) of operational capacity to the planned 9 GW capacity.
The Welsh government has authority over planning and consenting for all onshore wind projects and offshore wind projects up to 350 MW in the country. The introduction of the Infrastructure (Wales) Bill in 2025 aims to simplify and consolidate these processes.
In light of their own targets, RenewableUK Cymru is advocating for a clear roadmap to success, featuring stage-gates to monitor progress and promoting collaborative efforts between the government and industry to address significant barriers in planning and grid constraints.
Delivery timescales for onshore wind projects, in particular, have faced delays, and the absence of adequate grid infrastructure has been a hindrance to the entire renewable energy sector in the country.
Since the Welsh government assumed control over energy development consenting (DNS regime) in 2016, only one onshore wind farm, Upper Ogmore (25.2 MW), has been approved. This decision took nearly two years.
Jess Hooper, the director of RenewableUK Cymru, commented, “Wind power is the backbone of Wales' net-zero ambitions, yet the evidence suggests not enough is being done to foster the growth of that critical backbone. As a result, Wales risks falling short of its power generation needs by 2035. For years, the limitations of poor grid connectivity and an under-resourced, inconsistent planning system have hindered progress and discouraged developers from pursuing the ambitious wind energy projects our country desperately needs for success.”
