News

Wales aims to meet 100% of its electricity needs from renewable sources by 2035

Published

3 years ago

January 25, 2023

CLIMATE Change Minister Julie James has this week (Tuesday, January 24) published a consultation on ‘ambitious but credible’ targets for Wales to meet 100% of its electricity needs from renewable sources by 2035.

Wales is already making good progress on previous targets set in 2017 and, already, generates 55% of our electricity from renewables.

Today, the Minister proposed Wales sets a target for at least 1.5 GigaWatt of renewable energy capacity to be locally owned by 2035, excluding heat pumps.

There is also a target for 5.5 GigaWatt of renewable energy capacity to be produced by heat pumps by 2035 but this is subject to scaled up support from the UK Government and reductions in the cost of technology.

Climate Change Minister Julie James said: “Our previous targets signalled our high ambitions for renewable energy and this Government’s desire to move away from a use of, and reliance on, fossil fuels.

“However, the climate crisis shows that we cannot afford to rest on our laurels. Providing new targets compels us to stride towards Net Zero as quickly as we realistically can.

“The evidence is clear that towards the end of this decade we will need to rapidly ramp up our generation of electricity to meet our energy needs.

“The renewable energy target proposals that we are consulting on today are ambitious, but credible.

“I am very pleased that they propose a pathway for us to meet the equivalent of 100% of our annual electricity consumption from renewable electricity by 2035, and to continue to keep pace with consumption thereafter.”

The Minister stressed that Wales’ infrastructure and supply chain would be key to hitting these revised targets and went on to reveal details of £1m funding to explore the potential of offshore wind.

This grant will be match funded by Associated British Ports for preparatory work to enable future floating offshore wind projects to deploy from Wales.

The Minister added: “This investment signals, to both the industry and the UK Government, Welsh Government’s commitment to the floating wind sector. It also provides important funding for the infrastructure that we will need to deliver floating wind to meet our ambitions.

“Of course, this is not the end of our support, and we will continue to work closely with Port Talbot, Milford Haven Port Authority and colleagues in the Celtic Sea Alliance to maximise the benefits from floating wind to Wales.”

Andrew Harston, Regional Director, Wales & Short Sea Ports added: “Associated British Ports warmly welcomes this early-stage support from Welsh Government to help kick start the development of a major green energy hub at Port Talbot. This support is key to the construction of transformational infrastructure, which will enable the manufacturing, integration and assembly of floating offshore wind components at Port Talbot.

“The roll-out of floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity for South Wales to lead a global market and will play a major role in contributing to Wales and the UK’s net zero targets. By doing so it will support and create thousands of long-term, high-quality jobs.

“As the gateway to the Celtic Sea, and with unique capabilities and natural advantages, this support will help position Port Talbot at the heart of these emerging green technologies and industrial decarbonisation.”

Community

Charlie the ventriloquist doll returns to Pembroke Dock after 100 years

Published

4 minutes ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Beloved character to greet visitors as Heritage Centre reopens for new season

CHARLIE the 100-year-old ventriloquist’s doll is coming out of retirement — and back to where it all began.

Visitors to Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre will be greeted by the much-loved character when the attraction reopens for the new season on Monday (March 30).

It marks a nostalgic return for Charlie, who once performed in the very same building — then the Royal Dockyard Chapel — alongside his original owner, Ernie James, a Pembroke Dock bus company proprietor. Over the years, the duo became a familiar and popular act on the Pembrokeshire variety circuit.

Today, Charlie is cared for by Paul Elliott, of Llanreath, who inherited the doll from his father, Fred Elliott — better known locally as magician ‘Mr E’, whose shows delighted audiences for decades.

Charlie has also recently enjoyed a brush with national attention, appearing alongside Paul at a BBC Antiques Roadshow event in Swansea.

The Heritage Centre will offer free entry on opening day, with Charlie and Paul on hand to meet visitors and share stories from a century of entertainment.

Business

Wolfscastle spa earns prestigious AA recognition

Published

17 minutes ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

WOLFSCASTLE COUNTRY HOTEL and Spa in Pembrokeshire is celebrating national recognition after its luxury spa was included in the prestigious AA Recommended Spa Awards.

The accolade highlights the hotel’s commitment to delivering high-quality wellbeing experiences, exceptional service, and first-class facilities.

The AA Recommended Spa status is awarded to venues that provide an outstanding guest experience, combining professional expertise, premium treatments, and a relaxing environment. The recognition places Wolfscastle among a select group of leading spa destinations across the UK.

Grace, Levi and Bethan, full-time spa therapists at the award-winning Wolfscastle Spa.
Hot stone massage in the Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa treatment room.

The spa, which has been open for nine years, has established itself as one of Pembrokeshire’s top wellness destinations, welcoming both hotel guests and day visitors seeking relaxation in a tranquil countryside setting.

Facilities include hydrotherapy experiences, thermal suites, and dedicated relaxation areas, alongside a wide range of luxury treatments designed to help guests unwind and recharge.

Bethan, Spa Manager at Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be recognised by the AA as a Recommended Spa. The team here work really hard to make sure every guest feels relaxed, welcomed and properly looked after from the moment they arrive.

“To receive this recognition is very special for us and reflects the care and effort our therapists put into every treatment.”

The award further strengthens the hotel’s reputation as one of West Wales’ leading hospitality destinations, offering award-winning dining, boutique accommodation, and premium wellness experiences.

Guests can enjoy spa days, overnight breaks, and tailored treatments throughout the year.

For more information or to book, visit www.wolfscastle.com.

The hotel is also marking a significant milestone this year, with owner Andrew Stirling celebrating 50 years at the helm.

Crime

Four deny murder of Caerphilly teenager

Published

3 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people have pleaded not guilty to the murder of a 17-year-old boy.

Ricardo Elliot, aged 27, Connor Palfrey, aged 24, Elexi Manny, aged 24, and Georgie Mears, aged 18, appeared before Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Friday (March 20), where each denied killing Tristan Shae Kerr.

Emergency services were called to a property in Abertridwr, Caerphilly, at around 5:45pm on Wednesday (Feb 5) following reports that a teenage boy had suffered serious injuries. Despite efforts, Tristan was pronounced dead at the scene.

The court heard that the teenager is alleged to have been attacked with a so-called “zombie knife” measuring approximately nine to ten inches in length.

During the hearing, the four defendants spoke only to confirm their personal details and enter their pleas.

A trial is due to begin on August 3 and is expected to last around six weeks. A further pre-trial review has been scheduled for July 24.

All four defendants were remanded in custody.

Paying tribute after his death, Tristan’s family described him as a “deeply loved son, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend.”

They said he was quick-witted, with a love for motorbikes and adventure, adding that he had a natural energy that lit up every room and drew people towards him.