Second Report - Renewable energy in Wales

The government clarifies that The Crown Estate (TCE) is an independent body responsible for seabed management. It then details TCE's active role, including a confirmed new leasing round for floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea and the progress of three test projects, thereby acknowledging the committee's positive assessment of TCE's work.

The government reiterates that The Crown Estate (TCE) is an independent body responsible for seabed management. It then details TCE's active role, including a confirmed new leasing round for floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea and the progress of three test projects, thereby acknowledging the committee's positive assessment of TCE's work.

The government states that The Crown Estate (TCE) is an independent body responsible for seabed management and details TCE's confirmed new leasing round for floating offshore wind and progress of test projects. The response effectively redirects responsibility for direct government involvement in leasing timetables to TCE and does not address mechanisms for distributing wealth generation to Welsh communities.

The government points to existing mechanisms like the UK Community Renewal Fund and the CfD scheme's Pot 2 for less-established technologies. It states officials are engaging with tidal stream developers to explore cost-reduction and potential funding arrangements outside CfD.

The government did not address the specific recommendation for Ministers to meet with marine energy sector representatives to investigate Innovation Power Purchase Agreements. The response describes ongoing engagement by officials and existing funding mechanisms.

The government only provides a definition of the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). It does not address the committee's concerns about the SEG's limitations, smart meter rollout issues in rural areas, or the recommendation to work with the Welsh Government to resolve these problems.

The government only provides a definition of the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). It does not commit to exploring the re-introduction of generation or fixed tariffs to the SEG, nor does it agree to report back within three months on a review of these proposals.

The government acknowledges the need for a comprehensive strategy to upskill the workforce for the net-zero economy, referencing its Ten Point Plan and investments in skills. It highlights the Green Jobs Taskforce, launched last year, specifically tasked with addressing skills for the low-carbon transition.

The government highlights its Ten Point Plan for a green industrial revolution and the establishment of the Green Jobs Taskforce last year. This taskforce was already convened with stakeholders to advise on skills and a reskilling strategy, addressing the committee's recommendation.

The government acknowledges Wales' central role in the green industrial revolution and lists numerous specific funding commitments and projects in Wales, including over £90 million for net-zero initiatives. However, it does not provide specific figures on the number of jobs anticipated in Wales from the Ten Point Plan.

The government details various existing funding commitments and projects for net zero in Wales, including specific amounts for initiatives like the Active Building Centre. However, it does not commit to developing a new Wales-specific plan with a detailed route-map, job numbers, or allocating parliamentary time for its debate as recommended.

The government recognises the important role of Devolved Administrations in expanding renewable power and confirms that officials will continue to work closely with Welsh counterparts and the Wales Office. Ministerial collaboration will also continue through existing fora such as the Net Zero Inter-Ministerial Group.

The government states its officials will continue working closely with Welsh officials to ensure Welsh interests are reflected in the Ministerial Delivery Group. However, it declines to invite Welsh Government Ministers to that specific group, instead suggesting engagement through existing inter-ministerial fora.

The government acknowledges the benefits of interconnectors, highlighting its ambition for 18 gigawatts by 2030 and its support for interconnection as a core energy strategy. It references the ongoing Offshore Transmission Network Review which considers multi-purpose interconnectors and expresses interest in Celtic Sea opportunities.

The government outlines existing ambitions for electricity interconnection and the Offshore Transmission Network Review, and expresses interest in hearing more about Celtic Sea opportunities. However, it does not commit to specifically considering further export from the Celtic Sea or creating a Celtic Sea Economic Zone as recommended.

The government states that network regulation is a matter for Ofgem but is working with them to enable anticipatory investment by network companies. It details significant existing and planned investments in Welsh transmission and distribution networks, and highlights the ongoing Offshore Transmission Network Review which includes the Welsh Administration.

The government confirms it is working with Ofgem to enable anticipatory investment in network infrastructure and cites significant current and planned investment across Great Britain and specifically in South and Mid Wales. It also highlights the Offshore Transmission Network Review, which is developing a plan-led approach to grid infrastructure and includes the Welsh Administration.

The government acknowledges the potential of offshore wind and the importance of supply chain and jobs. It highlights past investment in port infrastructure and welcomes collaboration, but does not commit to new specific actions to address existing supply chain and port infrastructure issues.

The government acknowledges the economic opportunities of offshore wind and commits to working closely with Welsh stakeholders. However, it does not commit to clarifying the likelihood of further ports funding or accelerating agreement on Welsh freeport funding, instead referencing existing successful investments.

The government acknowledges the economic potential of offshore wind and the importance of maximizing supply chain and job benefits, noting past successful investments in port infrastructure. It welcomes collaboration but does not commit to a specific process for learning lessons from the North East of England as recommended.