The Energy Transition in Wales

Ambitious climate goals, abundant renewable resources, and a focus on community energy development define Wales’s energy transition. The Welsh Government targets achieving net zero emissions by 2050, aiming for Wales to generate at least 70% of its electricity needs from renewable sources by 2030. Strategic priorities include expanding offshore and onshore wind, solar PV, marine energy, green hydrogen production, and energy efficiency across sectors. Significant progress is underway, with renewables already providing around 55% of Wales’s electricity consumption, led by onshore wind, hydro, and solar. Major offshore wind projects like the proposed Celtic Sea developments and investments in grid modernisation and large-scale storage aim to strengthen energy resilience and support greater renewable integration. Critical minerals production within Wales remains limited, though exploration interest exists, particularly around historical mining areas in North Wales. The UK Critical Minerals Strategy promotes recycling, supply chain diversification, and partnerships to strengthen access to essential materials for energy technologies by 2030. Investment in clean energy infrastructure, transmission upgrades, and marine technology innovation hubs is central to Wales’s energy strategy. The country's expansive Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) offers significant opportunities for floating offshore wind and marine energy expansion, supporting future growth. Challenges include transmission grid bottlenecks, slow permitting timelines, marine spatial planning complexities, and supply chain vulnerabilities. However, opportunities are strong in developing green hydrogen clusters, advancing floating offshore wind leadership, and building community-driven renewable energy projects. With strong policy leadership, vast marine resources, and growing investment, Wales is well placed to drive the next phase of the UK’s energy transition and strengthen critical minerals resilience.