Wales stands at a critical juncture in its energy transition. With elections approaching in May 2026, decisions taken in the next few years will determine not just how Wales meets its climate goals, but how it secures its long-term economic future.
Energy bills remain high, communities have concerns about deindustrialisation and unmanaged infrastructure build-out, and the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite. Yet the opportunity for Wales is enormous.
The Welsh renewables sector alone could attract almost £47 billion in private investment by 2035, nearly twice the size of the entire Welsh Government budget.
With over £10 billion flowing directly to Welsh businesses, around 8,000 high-quality jobs supported, and up to £7 billion in annual GVA, the clean energy transition represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to drive growth and cut bills from Port Talbot to Anglesey.
But ambition alone is not enough. Wales must move faster to unlock investment, streamline planning, and deliver the grid infrastructure it needs to power its future. Coordination between the Welsh Government, the UK Government, and industry will be vital.
This report sets out Energy UK’s bold vision for the future of energy in Wales, covering six key areas: affordable buildings and lower bills, building the workforce of the future, scaling up renewables and supply chains, investing in CCUS and nuclear power, modernising planning and infrastructure, and addressing the urgent capacity challenges facing Wales’s grid network.
If you require this report in a different format please contact press@energy-uk.org.uk
Downloads
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A bold vision for the future of energy in Wales – 18 March 2026
Type: PDF (15 MB) -
A bold vision for the future of energy in Wales – Cymraeg – 18 March 2026
Type: PDF (14 MB)
