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.”

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is hosting an Experience Day in Haverfordwest on Tuesday, 19 November, from 9:30am to 12:30pm.

This three-hour event provides a unique opportunity to explore a career in the fire service. Attendees will get an in-depth look at:

• The role of a modern firefighter
• Trying on firefighting gear and equipment
• Steps in the recruitment process
• Fitness requirements for the job
• The equipment and PPE used by firefighters
• Career pathways and development within the service

It’s an ideal chance to discover what firefighting is all about.

Registration is essential. To reserve your spot, visit Experience Days – Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

BLUESTONE NATIONAL PARK RESPORT in Pembrokeshire has achieved a milestone in the Welsh tourism industry, becoming the first business in Wales to earn the prestigious insight6 Customer Experience (CX) Excellence Mark. This recognition highlights Bluestone’s dedication to providing exceptional experiences for guests, placing it among just 15 businesses across the UK to receive this distinction.

In today’s market, customer experience often outweighs price in setting businesses apart. The insight6 CX Excellence Mark celebrates businesses that go above and beyond to make customers central to their operations, serving as a seal of approval from the UK’s leading CX experts.

Claire Lewis, Head of Guest Experience at Bluestone, shared: “Receiving the insight6 CX Excellence Mark is a tremendous honour, reflecting the team’s hard work over recent years to ensure we deliver the best for our guests. Investing in understanding our guests’ experiences has given us invaluable insights to enhance daily operations. When our team is happy, this directly enhances our guests’ experience, and the relationship is truly reciprocal.

“Through this journey, we have come to see our business through the eyes of our guests and actively seek their feedback. Even if things are going well, understanding what our guests truly value helps us make continuous improvements.”

Mel Evans, CX Director at insight6 South Wales, praised Bluestone’s approach: “To achieve CX Excellence, a business must have a strong customer-focused ethos embedded in every decision. Those receiving the CX Excellence Mark carefully design their customer journey—whether online, by phone, or in person—to ensure an outstanding experience, regularly testing and monitoring to remain at the top of their game.”

For more details on the CX Excellence Recognition Scheme, visit www.insight6.com/cxexcellence.