SHOPPERS and visitors in Cardigan were taken by surprise recently when Keir Starmer—or someone who bore a striking resemblance to him—made an appearance at a climate action stall. The stall, set up in the town centre, invited people to write to their Members of the Senedd urging them to support an international Fossil Fuel Treaty.

‘Keir’ led the way, being the first to post his letter in a special postbox on the stall, which was part of a Global Day of Action for climate justice.

Slow progress at COP29

Organiser Philippa Gibson, a retired Welsh teacher, explained the urgency behind the event. She said:

“The COP29 meeting in Azerbaijan this week is moving at a snail’s pace. Oil lobbyists and petro-states like Azerbaijan have overwhelming influence, blocking serious action on reducing fossil fuel dependency. But ordinary people across the world are saying enough is enough—it’s time for a fossil-free future.

“The climate crisis is already affecting Welsh communities. Rising sea levels are eroding our coastlines, while extreme weather endangers lives, homes, and food security. The economic shockwaves are being felt everywhere.”

Wales urged to lead the way

Physics teacher David Grace, another volunteer at the stall, highlighted the global stakes:

“These threats are even more severe for Pacific Island states, some of the most climate-vulnerable nations in the world. They are leading the Fossil Fuel Treaty campaign because their survival depends on it. Wales has a duty to stand with them and support their demands for a rapid global transition away from fossil fuels.”

The organisers noted that Wales has an opportunity to lead on climate action by endorsing the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. Thirteen nations, the World Health Organisation, the European Parliament, and thousands of organisations worldwide have already joined the growing movement.

‘Strong support’ in Cardigan

The stall drew significant local support, with many residents signing a petition and posting letters or postcards to their Members of the Senedd. The postbox quickly filled up as people expressed their backing for the Treaty.

A campaigner from Parents for Future, who was helping at the stall, stressed the importance of action:

“By endorsing this treaty, the Welsh government would align with existing policies and commitments. As part of a global effort, Wales could set an example, showing that early action is key to preventing climate disaster. This is vital for the sake of all children, both here in Wales and in more vulnerable countries.”

The event highlighted a growing desire among communities to push for urgent climate action. As part of the day’s activities, ‘Keir’ left a memorable mark—not just as a leader, but as a symbol of the change people want to see.

(Keir’s mask was created by artist Bim Mason.)

WALES is on the cusp of a £47 billion renewable energy investment wave that could transform its economy, create thousands of jobs, and breathe new life into communities. This promising outlook was unveiled today at the Future Energy Wales 2024 conference at Newport’s ICC, showcasing preliminary analysis by BiGGAR Economics on the economic potential of renewable energy across the nation.

Commissioned by RenewableUK Cymru, in partnership with Solar Energy UK and Marine Energy Wales, the study highlights the substantial economic gains Wales could achieve by meeting its renewable energy targets across onshore wind, offshore wind, solar, and tidal power.

The research projects an average annual investment of nearly £4 billion, reaching a peak of £7 billion by 2028. Offshore wind alone is expected to attract £32.4 billion, forming the foundation of Wales’ economic growth through 2035. However, capturing this opportunity requires an effective industrial strategy and substantial port infrastructure upgrades to support thousands of new, high-quality jobs.

While offshore wind presents long-term growth, onshore wind offers Wales a rapid boost, with a potential £4.5 billion in investments enabling an increase to over 3 GW capacity by 2035, contingent on addressing planning and grid capacity challenges.

The NESO 2030 Clean Power report underscores the need for grid reform to expedite renewable energy across the UK, but Wales remains hampered by immediate planning resource shortages.

The latest data from the 2024 Welsh wind power report shows a surge in renewable project interest, with Wales’ pipeline expanding by 18% this year, from 9 GW in 2023 to over 10.5 GW in November 2024, largely due to new onshore wind projects. However, with current deployment rates, Wales is forecast to contribute only 5% of the UK’s total wind capacity by 2035—well behind Scotland’s 64 GW target.

RenewableUK Cymru’s Call for Strategic Support

Jess Hooper, Director of RenewableUK Cymru, said:

“Wales stands at the threshold of a historic opportunity. By harnessing this renewable investment potential, we can secure Welsh jobs and build a robust, long-term local economy. But achieving this vision requires strong, immediate support from both the UK and Welsh governments.

“We urge a coordinated, four-nations approach to accelerate wind deployment and grid upgrades. With strategic investment in grid capacity and planning, wind energy can become central to Wales’ clean energy future—delivering real benefits for our climate, economy, and communities.”

£47 Billion Equals 208 Principality Stadiums

Nikki Keddie, Director at BiGGAR Economics, added:

“The scale of Wales’ renewables potential is extraordinary. The £47 billion needed to reach our targets is equivalent to building 208 Principality Stadiums. Investment in renewables will boost energy security, employment, industrial growth, and rural development.

“To maximise economic benefits, it’s crucial to dismantle barriers to project delivery and create opportunities for local businesses to capture value. We look forward to the next phase of this report, where we will detail the economic share Wales can secure.”

PEMBROKESHIRE COASTAL FORUM is set to host Nature and Marine Energy in Focus, an event exploring the intersection of marine renewable energy and nature conservation. With the dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss intensifying, balancing renewable energy expansion with habitat protection has become crucial.

Scheduled for 27th November at 7:00pm at the Torch Theatre, the evening will feature key voices from the marine energy industry, conservation groups, and the community. A panel of experts will delve into the opportunities and challenges posed by marine renewable energy projects on local wildlife, examining how these initiatives might coexist with nature.

David Tudor, Co-Founder of Ocean and Coastal Futures and Pelagos, will host the event. Panel highlights include:

• The Crown Estate: Providing perspectives on seabed leasing for offshore wind projects.
• Emma Williams, Marine Biologist and Freediving Instructor with Celtic Deep: Offering insights into local marine life and its vital protection.
• Joseph Kidd, Afallen: Sharing lessons from marine energy projects and implications for future developments.
• Nadia Tomsa, Sea Trust: Focusing on marine conservation and community roles in biodiversity preservation.
• Will Cooke, OWC: Discussing responsible practices in project consenting, monitoring, and surveying.

The event will encourage an open conversation, with attendees invited to engage directly with the experts. Admission is free, though seating is limited to 100.

This forum is part of Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum’s Marine Energy Engagement Plan, an initiative funded by the Welsh Government’s Coastal Capacity Building Challenge Fund and the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund. The Plan seeks to empower local communities in Pembrokeshire to participate in marine renewable energy efforts through education and information.

For further details, visit the Torch Theatre website.

https://www.torchtheatre.co.uk/events/pembrokeshire-coastal-forum-nature-and-marine-energy-in-focus