Written question WQ83384
- Asked by
- Janet Finch-SaundersConservative
- To be answered by
- Minister for Climate Change
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 7 days
Question
Will the Minister state why the energy grid capacity issues in Wales were not addressed as part of Future Wales: the National Plan 2040?
Answer
Answered by Minister for Climate Change
Energy grid capacity issues were considered during the preparation of Future Wales, including discussions with the Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee (CCERA).
Future Wales acknowledges the challenge grid infrastructure can have on renewable energy developments and policy 17 commits us to working with grid network operators to transition to a multi-vector grid network and reduce the barriers to the implementation of new grid infrastructure.
The approach I set out in my written statement on 13 September is in line with the CCERA’s recommendation:
The Welsh Government should work with the National Grid, the electricity distribution companies and the renewable energy industry to develop a shared understanding of the strategic improvements which need to be made to electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure, including any new infrastructure required in mid Wales. The first iteration of Future Wales should include a commitment to developing such a strategy.