New energy plans unveiled for South West Wales

Ambitious new local energy plans for Swansea, Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot and Pembrokeshire have been unveiled.

The plans set out how each of the four local authority areas will work towards a cleaner, greener and more resilient energy future, identifying local opportunities to cut carbon emissions, increase renewable energy generation and improve energy efficiency across homes, businesses and transport.

Unveiled by Welsh Government First Minister Eluned Morgan at an event in Cross Hands, the plans build on the approval of a Regional Energy Strategic Vision by the Corporate Joint Committee (CJC) for South West Wales.

That vision provides the overarching framework for regional collaboration on energy and climate action, while the local plans translate those shared ambitions into practical, place-based projects for each county.

Together, the regional vision and local plans will help South West Wales meet its net-zero target by 2050, while supporting new green jobs, innovation and investment in the region's growing low-carbon economy.

First Minister Eluned Morgan said:

I welcome this announcement, which reflects our ambition that Wales can supply 100% of our electricity from renewable sources by 2035.

"Renewable energy has the potential to unlock £47 billion of investment and create 15,000 clean energy jobs in Wales. I want to make sure this investment comes to Wales and supports high quality jobs and delivers on local needs across the country, so people across every community see the real benefits of our transition to green energy."

Cllr Rob Stewart, Chair of the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee, said:

These new local energy plans mark a major step forward in turning our regional energy vision into action on the ground.

"Each plan is tailored to the strengths and needs of our local areas, from harnessing renewable energy potential to improving energy efficiency and reducing fuel poverty.

"This joined-up approach means that the whole of South West Wales can move faster towards net-zero while ensuring that the economic and environmental benefits are shared across all our communities."

Cllr Jon Harvey, Chair of the CJC's Economy and Energy Sub-committee, said: 

The local energy plans provide a clear, evidence-based roadmap for how we can transform our energy systems, create new opportunities for green industry, and strengthen energy security for local people.

"By working together as a region, we can lead the way in delivering Wales's transition to a net-zero economy - attracting investment, supporting skilled jobs, and tackling the climate crisis head-on."

The Regional Energy Strategic Vision responds to the challenges and opportunities created by climate change, carbon reduction goals and the green industrial revolution.

It highlights the need for coordinated action across a number of key areas: building energy efficiency and heating, energy generation and networks, industry, and transport.

Set up in January 2022, the Corporate Joint Committee for South West Wales is made up of the Leaders of Carmarthenshire County Council, Neath Port Talbot Council, Pembrokeshire County Council and Swansea Council, as well as senior representatives of the Bannau Brycheiniog and Pembrokeshire National Park Authorities.

It will introduce improvements to areas including economic development, energy, transport and land use planning across South West Wales.