The Wales Net Zero 2035 Challenge Group launches its second challenge: How could Wales meet energy needs by 2035 whilst phasing out fossil fuels?
03/07/2023
Today the Wales Net Zero 2035 Challenge Group is launching its second of five Challenges: How could Wales meet energy needs by 2035 whilst phasing out fossil fuels?
As part of our transition to net zero, there is a huge opportunity for Wales to develop a completely different energy system. One that does not damage our environment, is more resilient to shocks, keeps more money and jobs in Wales and enables other parts of the economy to decarbonise quickly.
Matthew Knight, Head of Market and Government Affairs at Siemens Energy and member of the Group said: “Decarbonising the energy system is all too often seen as a ‘problem to fix’, rather than an ‘opportunity not to be missed’. We know that lots of work is ongoing in the UK and in Wales to generate more renewable energy, upgrade the grid and deliver secure supplies for energy customers. Our aspiration is to ensure this energy transition to net zero is delivered rapidly and that all Welsh society benefits”.
Paul Allen, Zero Carbon Britain Knowledge and Outreach Coordinator at the Centre for Alternative Technology and member of the Group said: “As well as being one of the key measures needed to help cut greenhouse gas emissions, a clean energy system developed as part of a just transition has the potential to create a wide range of benefits for people and communities across Wales. Learning from successful initiatives both here in Wales and elsewhere in the world can help us explore ways of working together towards an energy system that is fit for the future.”
A vision for how could Wales meet energy needs by 2035 whilst phasing out fossil fuels?
Through initial dialogue we have produced draft vision statements to illustrate our direction of travel, and hopefully prompt thoughts on what an energy system for Wales could look like in 2035 to achieve net zero and the ambitions of the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act.
- Through an optimised energy system that is more resilient to supply disruptions and cost increases, retaining value for the Welsh economy, communities, businesses and organisations.
- Through a fairer and more circular energy system that unlocks the decarbonisation of all parts of Welsh society to provide maximum benefits and opportunities for the people of Wales.
- Through a rapidly decarbonised energy system that also ensures high ethical and environmental standards internationally.
- Through a well-functioning energy systems developed through processes that take a whole-system view, and that engage communities effectively for better participation and ownership.
Our request for your evidence
Help us identify a pathway forward for Wales toward a net zero energy system, that is fairer, more resilient and cleaner by 2035 or sooner.
In seeking submissions for this challenge, we recognise the existing arrangements and governance of Wales’ energy system. For example, electricity in Wales is part of a wider integrated Great Britain electricity system.
There are many existing policy and regulatory activities aimed at delivery of decarbonised energy infrastructure including the target to decarbonise the Great Britain electricity system by 2035 and the Electricity Network Commissioner’s anticipated report on speeding up grid connections.
We are keen to receive submissions that build upon and accelerate what is already happening, especially examples of good practice that show what can be realised by 2035 and with greater benefits to Wales. These may be from any country and at any scale, from individual or community actions to national programmes.
The Group welcomes the submission of relevant views, case-studies and evidence, which can be submitted via the Group’s website: https://netzero2035.wales/submit-evidence/evidence-submission-portal/.
Please note that the Group is looking for evidence of what can be done by 2035 and what would need to be in place for that to happen. This second challenge ‘How could Wales meet its energy needs by 2035 whilst phasing out fossil fuels? will be open from 3rd July 2023 – 30th September 2023.
The Group will invite further feedback on its draft conclusions prior to presenting its report to the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru in the summer of 2024. More details will be provided to respondents in due course.