Rebecca Evans MS, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning
The UK Government has published the Secretary of State’s Statement of Strategic Priorities (SSP) to Great British Energy (GBE). The Statement can be found here: Great British Energy: Statement of Strategic Priorities - GOV.UK
The SSP is a high-level document that articulates the Secretary of State’s strategic priorities for GBE, which must then be reflected in GBE’s Strategic Plan. The SSP lays out the two core objectives of GBE. These are to:
- Drive clean energy deployment across the whole of the UK, as a strategic developer, investor, and owner of clean energy projects; and
- Ensure that UK taxpayers, billpayers, communities, and the current energy workforce benefit from the clean energy transition by increasing public ownership and community involvement in the development of clean energy projects, and by supporting jobs and economic growth across the UK.
As required by Section 5 (6) of the Great British Energy Act 2025, the Secretary of State has sought the consent of Welsh Ministers for the inclusion in the SSP of certain matters, provision about which would be within the legislative competence of the Senedd (if contained in an Act of the Senedd). Following analysis of the SSP I have given my consent to the UK Government.
GBE’s role in our energy future is important for the whole of the UK and its success is something all Governments of the UK can contribute to. We have experienced a real willingness from the UK Government to work closely with us to make sure that GBE is aligned with Welsh ambitions and the Welsh energy landscape. It is important that the UK Government has committed to GBE working collaboratively and in partnership with devolved governments, local government, and communities. Similarly, it is encouraging that the work of GBE will add to our local and community energy successes which have been a keen focus of our work in Wales to date. My officials have shared their experience of supporting delivery and provided clarity on the wide range of work already under way in Wales with GBE, in order that GBE’s activities can be complementary and additional to existing Welsh actions.
My response to the UK Government highlighted several areas where we need further joint work, to make sure the devolved competence of the Senedd Cymru is properly respected as the strategic priorities of GBE are implemented. These include a more detailed understanding of how GBE will work with us to support delivery of the strategic vision articulated in national, regional, and local spatial plans in relation to our shared energy and climate ambitions. I have also indicated that further work is needed on how GBE activities will remain closely aligned with devolved activities, especially given the complex interface between GBE’s remit and devolved areas in Wales. This includes mechanisms to ensure the voice of Wales is clearly heard in GBE’s planning process and to address concerns with GBE activity, should they arise.
We share a joint ambition with the UK Government for a prosperous country. We will work collaboratively with them and with GBE to support the delivery of the principles outlined in the SSP to deliver benefits in Wales.