Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru

Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru Ltd
Company typeState-owned enterprise
IndustryRenewable energy
FoundedMarch 2024
FounderWelsh Government
Headquarters
Merthyr Tydfil
,
Wales, United Kingdom
Area served
Wales
Key people
Richard Evans (CEO); Rebecca Evans, Cabinet Secretary for the Economy
ServicesOnshore wind energy
OwnerWelsh Government
WebsiteTrydan Gwyrdd Cymru

Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru (Welsh for 'Green Electricity Wales') is a publicly-owned renewable energy developer established by the Welsh Government in March 2024 and launched in July 2024.[1] The company is tasked with aiding the development of renewable energy projects, particularly focusing on onshore wind, across the Welsh public estate.[2]

As a wholly-owned entity of the Welsh Government, Trydan's[3] remit is defined by the government, with oversight provided by the Cabinet Secretary for the Economy. Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru differs from Ynni Cymru, another initiative launched by the Welsh Government aimed at expanding community-owned renewable energy projects.[4]

Background and Launch

The Welsh Government first announced plans to establish a state-owned renewable energy developer to the Senedd on 25 October 2022, in response to energy insecurities and the rising cost of living. Julie James, the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change, emphasised the government's desire for a state-owned renewable energy developer to benefit Wales.[5] On 2 August 2023, the Welsh Government officially named the developer Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru.[6]

Carno II Wind Farm in Wales

Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru was officially launched on 15 July 2024 by Economy Secretary Jeremy Miles in Bryncynon, a former mining community in the South Wales Valleys.[2] The establishment of the company is part of the Welsh Government's strategy to promote sustainable energy supply decarbonisation efforts within the region.[7]

UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband expressed support for Trydan, stating, "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".[8]

Objectives and development plans

The goals of Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru are to "harness the renewable energy potential of Wales, delivering benefits to society, the environment, and the economy." The company aims to develop a minimum of 250 megawatts (MW) of new renewable energy generation capacity by 2030, with a further target of 750 MW by 2040, contingent upon grid capacity availability.[9]

Headquartered in Merthyr Tydfil, Trydan will initially collaborate with Natural Resources Wales to develop wind farms on the publicly owned Welsh Government Woodland Estate,[10] which covers over 126,000 hectares and constitutes nearly 6% of Wales's total land area.[11]

The company is committed to engaging with local communities near the initial project sites to ensure that local stakeholders are involved in the planning and development processes. Richard Evans, the Chief Executive Officer, emphasised the importance of social collaboration and community engagement in the successful deployment of renewable energy projects.[12]

Prime Minister Keir Starmer and First Minister Eluned Morgan visiting a windfarm in Carmarthenshire

In August 2024, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan visited a wind farm in West Wales, pledging to enhance collaboration on renewable energy development. They committed to leveraging both Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru and the newly established Great British Energy.[13] Starmer emphasised the importance of these initiatives for energy independence and job creation, while Morgan highlighted Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru’s role in ensuring local communities benefit from the transition to net-zero energy.[14]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru: Welsh Government launches publicly-owned green energy developer". www.businessgreen.com. 2024-07-16. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
  2. ^ a b Mavrokefalidis, Dimitris (2024-07-16). "Wales launches publicly-owned renewable energy company". Energy Live News. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
  3. ^ "Securing Wales' green future, Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru is launched | GOV.WALES". www.gov.wales. 2024-07-15. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
  4. ^ "Annex A: Welsh Government response to each recommendation from the Preparing Wales for a Renewable Energy 2050 report [HTML] | GOV.WALES". www.gov.wales. 2024-06-14. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
  5. ^ Williams, Rhys (2022-10-26). "Publicly-owned energy company being set up by Welsh Government". Caerphilly Observer. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
  6. ^ "Written Statement: Update on Renewable Energy Developer (2 August 2023) | GOV.WALES". www.gov.wales. 2023-08-02. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
  7. ^ "Net zero: Majority of homes need heat pumps, says Welsh government". www.bbc.com. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
  8. ^ "Securing Wales' green future, Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru is launched | GOV.WALES". www.gov.wales. 2024-07-15. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
  9. ^ "Home | Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru". www.trydangwyrddcymru.wales. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
  10. ^ team, Hub (2024-07-23). "Publicly-Owned Renewable Energy Developer | Launches In Wales". Energy Advice Hub. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
  11. ^ admin (2018-08-14). "The Purpose and Role of the Welsh Government Woodland Estate". Woodknowledge Wales. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
  12. ^ "What we do | Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru". www.trydangwyrddcymru.wales. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
  13. ^ "Prime Minister and Welsh First Minister: Together we will "supercharge" mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower". GOV.UK. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
  14. ^ Johnson, Thomas (2024-08-20). "PM and Welsh first minister 'reset' to make Britain 'a clean energy superpower'". New Civil Engineer. Retrieved 2024-08-20.