WRITTEN BY:
Cathryn Tracey
Director
Burges Salmon
The renewables sector in Wales is poised for exponential growth in 2025. After a highly successful 2024, where we saw a significant number of consents for Developments of National Significance granted, the momentum is building.
Projects that secured approvals are now moving towards construction, bringing with them the green jobs and investment that the Welsh Government has long championed.
This year, we can expect to see even more projects progressing, bolstered by the new Infrastructure Consenting regime set to take effect in late 2025. The granting of more consents in 2024 and the new consenting regime together signal a crucial turning point for Wales as it positions itself as a leader in renewable energy. Yet, while the opportunities are immense, there are issues that need to be addressed to sustain this growth.
One of the most pressing challenges is the lack of resources and experience within local authority planning teams. Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW) and local authorities faced significant resourcing challenges in 2024. While there are early signs of progress, the underlying issues persist. The system has had to contend with a steep learning curve. It has been nearly a decade since large-scale wind projects were last consented in earnest, and much of the institutional knowledge has been lost over that time.
The result is a reliance on “learning on the job,” which, while unavoidable, can slow down processes and create inconsistencies. Some local authorities have pockets of expertise, but this is not uniform across Wales. Without sufficient and experienced personnel to navigate complex planning applications, we risk bottlenecks that could affect the sector’s growth.
The Infrastructure (Wales) Act 2024, provides a streamlined approach to development and consenting. By incorporating compulsory acquisition powers alongside planning permissions, this framework can ensure projects are not only approved but also deliverable. For linear infrastructure projects, such as grid connections, these measures are crucial. The Act’s stipulation of a 52-week timeline to secure consent is ambitious but necessary if we are to maintain momentum. However, such ambition requires local authorities and statutory consultees to have the resources and expertise to meet these timeframes effectively. While the Act provides the mechanism for full cost recovery for consultees, the fundamental issue remains that there are not the number people needed available to meet the demand.
What the sector needs now is continued clear political leadership. The alignment between Westminster and Welsh ministers is encouraging, which will inspire confidence among developers, investors, local authorities, and the public. This confidence is essential to unlock the full potential of Wales’ renewables sector.
Investors and developers want a commitment to long-term goals and a plan to tackle structural issues. The public’s understanding of the importance of these projects for Wales’ future, not just in terms of meeting net-zero targets but also for the economic benefits they bring is important. With these local planning teams will be able to be confident that they are part of a cohesive strategy, not just left to deal with applications piecemeal.
Despite these challenges, I remain optimistic. The progress made in 2024 has laid a solid foundation. We now have an opportunity to build on that success and cement Wales’ reputation as a leader in renewable energy. However, this requires a collective effort from all stakeholders—planners, policymakers, developers, and communities alike.
The path ahead is not without obstacles, but the rewards are worth it. With the right leadership, investment in resources, and continued collaboration, 2025 could be a landmark year for renewables in Wales. Let’s seize this moment to ensure the sector’s growth is sustainable, impactful, and enduring.
