The Welsh Government has officially launched Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru, the new publicly-owned renewable energy developer, dedicated to bolstering onshore wind energy projects across Wales.
Situated in Merthyr Tydfil, Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru is set to work in close cooperation with Natural Resources Wales to develop wind farms on Welsh public woodland estates. This initiative is set to begin with immediate community engagement near the proposed sites.
Speaking at the launch in Bryncynon, Jeremy Miles, Economy Secretary for Wales, outlined the Welsh Government’s commitment to a sustainable energy future, “There is no question that clean energy is central to a more prosperous Wales and a better future for our communities. I hope today’s announcements show how we will make the energy transition benefit Wales, both now and in the future.
“We are already making progress in offshore wind and today marks an important step in the right direction for onshore, and in particular large scale, Welsh owned onshore projects. There are enormous opportunities here.
“Owning our own renewables company on behalf of Wales will allow us not only to develop renewables in ways that fit with the natural environment but most importantly to provide us, and the people of Wales, with the ability to own the returns on what will be a significant investment.
“We have a long road ahead and we will not start generating income for Wales for some years – but the work to better secure our energy future starts today.”
The launch of Wales’ public-owned renewable energy developer comes hot on the heels of the new Labour Government at Westminster officially lifting the ban on onshore wind, which was one of the first decisions made under new Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Ed Miliband, the UK’s Energy Secretary who oversaw the lifting of that ban, supported Wales’ decision to create Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru, noting, “The people of Wales will benefit hugely from the sustainable, homegrown clean power from Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru.
“I look forward to working closely with the Welsh Government as we make Britain a clean energy superpower, including setting out the first steps of Great British Energy, boosting our energy independence and bringing down bills for good.”