First Minister, Eluned Morgan, has welcomed the backing of a record 20 major renewable energy projects, totalling more than 530 MW, in Wales which could see thousands of green jobs created.
It’s the biggest number of Welsh projects to get backing in the UK Government’s Contracts for Difference auction. In the latest round announced today, five onshore wind, 12 solar and three tidal energy projects received a contractual guarantee for the price of the electricity they generate, giving the go-ahead for work to start on the projects. Wales secured 99.65% of all the tidal funding available.
As well as generating thousands of jobs it will create economic opportunities for other Welsh companies and help meet carbon reduction targets.
First Minister Eluned Morgan said:
I am delighted these projects have been successful in the latest auction round. As well as meeting vital targets to reduce carbon, onshore wind and tidal energy bring major economic benefits and high-quality jobs to Wales. The Welsh Government is committed to ensuring Wales is at the forefront of the green energy revolution.
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning Rebecca Evans said:
We know how important clarity and certainty are for developers, which is why we are working hard to speed up the planning process for major infrastructure projects. Our new legislation and our investment in capacity building is already making a difference.