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Renewable energy

Swansea Aims for Net Zero Energy System by 2050

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Swansea is set to play a key role in Wales' transition to a low-carbon economy, with a new local area energy plan aiming to more than quadruple wind energy production and increase solar energy twelve-fold by 2050. The plan, endorsed by First Minister Eluned Morgan, outlines proposals to decarbonise housing, transport, and industry, with a focus on renewable energy production and energy efficiency measures. A fresh search for potential wind and solar farm sites will be undertaken, with the results to be incorporated into the planning framework.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Swansea local area energy plan aims to achieve a net zero energy system by 2050, with wind energy production to more than quadruple and solar energy to increase twelve-fold.
  • The plan recommends incorporating the results of a fresh search for wind and solar sites into the planning framework.
  • Electrifying large parts of the industrialised economy without adding to greenhouse gas emissions requires more low-carbon sources of power and connections to the National Grid.
  • Energy efficiency measures and retrofitting draughty buildings are key components of the plan.
  • Significant investment will be needed to support the plan, with the potential to create many skilled jobs.
  • The first minister emphasized the importance of renewable energy, citing its potential to unlock £47 billion of investment and create 15,000 clean energy jobs in Wales.
  • The Welsh Government aims to meet all of the country's electricity demand with renewable sources by 2035.

Statistics:

  • £47 billion: Potential investment in renewable energy in Wales.
  • 15,000: Number of clean energy jobs that could be created in Wales.
  • 2035: Target date for Wales to meet all of its electricity demand with renewable sources.
  • 2050: Target date for Swansea to achieve a net zero energy system.

Sources:

  • Youle R. (2023) A new search for wind and solar farm sites should take place in Swansea as part of a drive to increase renewable energy production, a report said. [Wales Online]
  • Welsh Government. (2023) First Minister speaks at energy plan launch. [Cross Hands, Carmarthenshire, Wales]
  • Swansea Council. (2023) Local Area Energy Plan. [Swansea, Wales]

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