Written question WQ96163
- Asked by
- Samuel KurtzConservative
- To be answered by
- Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 8 days
Question
What assessment has the Welsh Government made of Wales’s current grid capacity and its ability to meet future energy demand?
Answer
Answered by Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning
The Welsh Government commissioned the Future Grids for Wales report that was published in 2023. Analysis from this work shows that Wales’s electricity demand may almost triple by 2050 and updating Wales’s grid is essential if we are to have an energy system fit for purpose in the long term. Significant increases in renewable generation to meet up to three times the current demand will require new electricity transmission network infrastructure. The report clearly evidences that increases in peak electricity demand will create a need for electricity distribution network reinforcement.
The responsibility for strategic spatial planning and for funding networks is reserved to UK Government but our proactive work on the needs of Wales are driving action.