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 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 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 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 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 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.