RenewableUK Cymru sets out clean power plan ahead of Senedd election

Daniel Bevan - Editor

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Wales’ renewable energy sector has challenged the next Welsh Government to commit to a coordinated clean power strategy ahead of the 2026 Senedd election, warning that failure to act could see investment, jobs and community funding diverted elsewhere in the UK.

Industry body RenewableUK Cymru has published a new policy blueprint, Cymru Clean Power: Call for Government 2026, setting out how closer collaboration between government and industry could unlock a £10 billion economic opportunity while expanding domestic energy generation.

The organisation argues that a formal “Cymru Clean Power Partnership” is needed to accelerate renewable deployment, modernise infrastructure and ensure Wales captures the economic benefits of the transition to low-carbon energy.

According to the report, electricity demand in Wales is expected to double, and could potentially triple, by 2050 as electrification spreads across transport, heating and heavy industry.

Two proposed AI Growth Zones alone could consume as much electricity as a city the size of Cardiff, adding further pressure to the system.

Despite growing demand, most of Wales’ electricity is still generated from imported gas, leaving households and businesses exposed to volatile global energy prices.

RenewableUK Cymru says Wales’ natural resources, particularly its wind and tidal potential, position the nation to develop a domestic clean energy system capable of supporting economic growth while improving energy security.

The report frames the choice for voters and policymakers as a decision between continued reliance on fossil fuel imports or investing in home-grown renewable power.

However, the industry warns that increasing generation capacity alone will not be enough. Grid infrastructure, the network that connects energy projects to homes, businesses and industry, must also be expanded and modernised to avoid delays to new developments.

Without upgrades, the report argues, renewable projects risk stalling and investors may shift funding to other parts of the UK where connections are easier to secure.

Jessica Hooper, Director of RenewableUK Cymru, said:

“As parties set out their priorities for Wales, energy is our defining economic choice. Clean energy is one of the UK’s fastest-growing industries. Wales has the natural resources, the projects in the pipeline, and investors ready to go.

“But without a grid fit for the future, that opportunity will not be realised.

“A Cymru Clean Power Partnership would turn potential into delivery – securing affordable, home-grown energy, billions in investment, thousands of well-paid jobs and millions in funding for communities across Wales.”

RenewableUK Cymru is urging all political parties contesting the 2026 Senedd election to back the partnership proposal, arguing that early commitment will be key to securing investment decisions and positioning Wales at the centre of the UK’s growing clean energy economy.