The Policy Forum for Wales will host a keynote seminar, “Next Steps for the Energy Sector in Wales,” on December 6, 2024.
This event will gather key stakeholders, industry leaders, and policymakers to discuss the future of energy in Wales, with a focus on decarbonisation, investment, infrastructure, and community benefits. Keynote speakers will include Ed Sherriff, Deputy Director of Energy, Welsh Government, and Karl Smyth, Director of Strategic Policy and External Affairs at Enfinium.
The seminar is set to address critical areas for Welsh energy policy, including the anticipated National Energy Plan for Wales, which outlines goals for transitioning to a net-zero energy system by 2050. This aligns with the Welsh Government's renewable energy commitments and the UK Government’s mission to make Britain a clean energy leader. The session comes at a timely moment, as consultations on CCUS (Carbon Capture, Usage, and Storage) and hydrogen energy are expected to launch soon.
Key discussion points include:
- National Energy Plan Priorities: Examining pathways for decarbonizing the Welsh energy sector, alongside the establishment of Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru, a public renewable energy company, and the recent Strategic spatial plan for energy infrastructure.
- Renewable Energy and Infrastructure: Exploring the expansion of renewable projects, impacts of recent policy changes like lifting the onshore wind ban, and strategies to address grid capacity constraints.
- Community Energy Ownership: Reviewing approaches to foster community-led energy projects, with attention to devolution of the Crown Estate to enhance local benefits from offshore wind revenues.
- Investment, Skills, and Supply Chains: Tackling resource and workforce challenges while exploring funding models and partnerships to drive innovation and sector growth.
Discussions will cover legislative updates, including the Infrastructure (Wales) Act 2024, which aims to streamline planning and consenting processes for energy projects, and the implications of initiatives like the UK’s National Wealth Fund and Great British Energy.
Delegates will contribute to a summary report shared with parliamentary, ministerial, and regulatory offices, reflecting the outcomes and insights from the conference. Attendees will include representatives from the House of Commons, MHCLG, DESNZ, CCC, UKIB, and the Welsh Government.
Registration is now open to secure your place, please visit the event website here: https://www.policyforumforwales.co.uk/conference/PFW-Energy-24
