Wales is at a pivotal moment in its industrial history. The journey towards decarbonisation offers a unique chance to transform the nation into a global leader in low-carbon industry while preserving its industrial heritage and community identity.
However, the path we take must be as inclusive as it is innovative—decisive action must ensure that decarbonisation drives prosperity, not deindustrialisation.
Wales has a long history of industrial achievement, but that legacy includes painful experiences of deindustrialisation that left communities struggling to recover. Our mission at Net Zero Industry Wales is clear: to achieve a low-carbon future while creating new jobs, securing existing ones, and fostering a sense of hope and opportunity in the communities that powered our past.
The foundation for this effort is collaboration. Net Zero Industry Wales emerged from the South Wales Industrial Cluster (SWIC), a coalition founded in 2019 to bring industrial leaders together to chart a path towards decarbonisation. This initiative has already delivered a comprehensive Cluster Plan for South Wales, and we are now extending its principles across the nation through our work with the North East Wales Industrial Decarbonisation Cluster (NEWID).
Our role is to connect the dots—joining the expertise of industry, academia, and service providers to overcome barriers to progress. Whether it’s facilitating planning and consenting processes or supporting the development of renewables and carbon capture and storage projects, the aim is to create a streamlined system that accelerates Wales' transition to a greener economy.
The stakes are high, but so are the rewards. Decarbonisation has the potential to make Wales a magnet for investment and innovation. By demonstrating our capacity to deliver large-scale projects, we strengthen Wales’ appeal as a place to do business, generating significant economic value and making a real difference to people’s lives.
To measure success, it’s not just about gigawatts generated or projects completed, though these are important indicators. The true measure lies in how decarbonisation benefits the people and communities of Wales. Does it create jobs, raise living standards, and foster public support? Does it contribute to a Wales that people are proud to call home?
However, there are challenges we must address. Planning and consenting remain bottlenecks, with a lack of resources within local authorities threatening to derail progress. Without targeted investment in these areas, Wales risks falling short of its potential. Addressing this requires clear political leadership, aligned priorities, and a commitment to building capacity where it is most needed.
Public backing is another critical factor. Decarbonisation projects must resonate with local communities, demonstrating tangible benefits that make people feel invested in their success. This is about more than just environmental stewardship; it’s about delivering economic and social value that enriches lives.
If we succeed, the rewards will ripple far beyond our borders. Wales can become a global example of how to balance economic growth with environmental responsibility. By prioritising sustainable industrial development, we can attract new businesses, foster innovation, and secure a prosperous future for generations to come.
Decarbonisation doesn’t have to mean deindustrialisation. By working together and ensuring that no community is left behind, we can shape a Wales that is not only greener but also stronger, more resilient, and more inclusive. The opportunity is here—now it’s up to all of us to seize it.
