Rebecca Evans MS, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning
Today, I have published the Energy Generation and Energy Use in Wales First Combined Edition report which is the latest annual report in our series of Energy Generation / Use in Wales reports, and I am pleased with the progress being made in Wales across all renewable energy technologies.
Our target is for renewable electricity generation to meet 70% of our consumption by 2030 and 100% by 2035. In 2024, renewable generation equalled 54% of electricity consumption.
2024 saw 4.3GW of renewable energy capacity installed in Wales and installations generated 10GWh of electricity in 2024, enough to power thousands of homes for a year. This capacity, alongside the recent successes across technologies in the UK Government Contracts for Difference Auction Round 7 shows our approach is working. These successes will attract more green energy to Wales and the jobs, skills and supply chain opportunities that come with this can also benefit Wales at local levels.
This Welsh Government has committed to supporting locally owned energy generation. In 2023 the Welsh Government raised its local ownership target for renewable energy to 1.5 GW by 2035. At 0.99 GW at the end of 2024, Wales is already 66% of the way towards its new target and our successful Ynni Cymru grant is providing funding to keep the momentum towards our target.
Our goals are ambitious, with a vision for Wales to generate 100% renewable energy that will fully meet our needs by 2035. While total energy use decreased to 83.2 TWh in 2023, electricity demand is projected to increase, and we are working hard to lay a solid base for Wales to have a resilient energy mix that ensures the benefits is retained in Wales.
This report highlights the excellent work happening across Wales, not only by Welsh Government, but by the people and businesses of Wales each doing their part in securing a more resilient future.