Senior leaders from across Wales’ energy sector will gather at The Crown Estate’s Cardiff offices today, Tuesday 10 November to examine how greater collaboration can accelerate energy investment, strengthen infrastructure and unlock new economic opportunities for Wales.
The discussion will bring together representatives from energy developers, industry, infrastructure organisations and regional economic partnerships as part of the INFORM Wales Editorial Board programme, delivered by Business News Wales.
Hosted by Rebecca Evans, former Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, the two-hour discussion will examine the challenges and opportunities facing Wales as it seeks to develop its energy infrastructure and maximise the economic benefits of the transition to net zero.
The session will focus on a central question: What needs to change in the way Wales’ energy ecosystem collaborates to accelerate investment, infrastructure and delivery?
Wales has significant opportunities to attract investment through its renewable energy resources, ports, established infrastructure and industrial capabilities. However, realising this potential will depend on how effectively government, industry, developers and investors work together to address barriers relating to planning, grid capacity and project delivery.
Among those taking part will be:
Julian Vance-Daniel, Business Development Director, LTi Vessco
Catryn Newton, Community Investment and Communications Director, Bute Energy
Ioan Jenkins, Chair, Tidal Range Alliance
Tam Bardell, Growth and Partnerships Director, Celtic Freeport
David Jones, Public Affairs & Policy Manager – Wales, The Crown Estate
Steve Edwards, Director/Owner, Preggo Cymru
A central ambition of the discussion is to understand how Wales can move beyond identifying its energy potential and create the conditions needed to turn opportunities into investment, infrastructure development and long-term economic benefits.
The editorial board will explore two connected priorities.
The first will examine how Wales can improve collaboration between government, industry, developers, investors and regional partners to accelerate energy projects. This will include exploring the challenges associated with planning, infrastructure investment and electricity grid capacity, alongside identifying opportunities to improve coordination and remove barriers to delivery.
The second will focus on building Wales’ wider energy economy, including how investment in energy generation and infrastructure can support Welsh businesses, strengthen domestic supply chains, create skilled employment and improve productivity.
Participants will consider how Wales can retain more of the economic value generated by major energy projects, while developing the skills, industrial capabilities and partnerships needed to support long-term growth.
The discussion will also seek to identify successful approaches that could be scaled or replicated, alongside practical interventions that could strengthen investor confidence and help projects progress.
The event forms part of the wider INFORM Wales initiative, developed by Business News Wales to bring together industry leaders and specialists and turn their collective experience into evidence, insight and informed public discussion.
Mark Powney, Managing Director of Business News Wales, said:
“Wales has an enormous opportunity within the energy sector, but the challenge is making sure that ambition translates into investment, infrastructure and economic growth.
“We have some exceptional businesses, developers and industry leaders working across energy generation, grid infrastructure and the wider supply chain. What we want to understand is whether the different parts of that ecosystem are working together effectively enough to realise the opportunities in front of us.
“Through INFORM Wales, our ambition is to bring those voices together, listen to their experiences and build a clearer evidence base around what needs to change. This is not simply about discussing the challenges. It is about identifying practical solutions and ensuring those insights reach the people making decisions about Wales’ economic future.
“We are delighted to be working with The Crown Estate to bring together such an experienced group of leaders for what we hope will be a constructive and valuable discussion.”
The evidence gathered will also help identify priorities for ongoing scrutiny as Wales works to strengthen its energy economy and translate its renewable energy potential into long-term economic opportunities.
