12/12/2024 | Welsh

Calls for a 'four-nations approach' to secure the UK’s wind energy future

12 December 2024 - RenewableUK Cymru press release


A new report from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) calls for a 'four-nations approach' to secure the UK’s wind energy future.


With nearly all onshore wind and many offshore wind projects in the pipeline located in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, increasing the collective voice and collaboration between the devolved nations is essential to meeting the UK government's 2030 clean energy targets.


The report emphasises the need for greater input from the devolved nations on key issues currently determined by the UK government, such as building grid infrastructure, regenerating ports, and developing new supply chains. These efforts should be part of a comprehensive green industrial strategy that enables all regions of the UK to contribute to building the energy system of the future.


To strengthen cross-border collaboration and accelerate the delivery of renewable energy, the report makes two key recommendations:



  • The four nations working together to co-author a shared energy acceleration strategy

  • The four nations creating an All-Nations Renewables Team to implement the strategy (comprising government and key stakeholders such as NESO, Ofgem etc alongside industry representatives) reporting to the Joint Ministerial Committee on Net Zero. 


Jess Hooper, Director of RenewableUK Cymru said:


"With its vast onshore and offshore wind potential and proud industrial heritage, Wales is primed to be at the forefront of UK’s clean energy transition. This year has marked a pivotal moment, with groundbreaking announcements signalling a once-in-a-generation opportunity for renewables in both the UK and Wales. Wind, solar, and tidal energy are emerging as key drivers of inward investment and economic growth.


“As public awareness and political commitment soar, this report outlines the practical steps governments must take to harness this momentum and position the UK as a global clean energy leader. Accelerating renewable energy deployment and upgrading the grid to support it requires a unified, coordinated effort.


“A strong partnership between the Welsh, UK Government and renewable industry sector is vital to unlocking Wales’ full renewable potential. With ambitious targets and significant resources at stake, collaboration can overcome critical challenges such as infrastructure bottlenecks, planning delays, and skills shortages. By working together, we can seize the transformative £47 billion economic opportunity that renewable energy offers to Wales, creating high-quality jobs, driving down energy costs, and securing a clean, sustainable energy future for all."


The IPPR report 'Everything, everywhere all at once' is available here.

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