GRID – Unlocking Wales’ Green Energy Future

Podcast Series

GRID is a new podcast series exploring the vital role of Wales' electricity grid in enabling the country's transition to a green energy future. This series will educate listeners on the challenges, opportunities, and innovations shaping Wales’ energy landscape through those at the heart of the strategy, technology, and policy.

The series will feature expert insights from grid operators, renewable energy developers, policymakers, and industry leaders, providing a comprehensive understanding of how strengthening the grid is essential for unlocking the full potential of Wales’ renewable energy ambitions.

Episode One:

The Backbone of Wales’ Green Future

The opening episode introduces listeners to the critical importance of Wales’ electricity grid in supporting the transition to Net Zero. It will lay the foundation for the series by explaining how the grid functions, the challenges it faces, and why strengthening grid infrastructure is key to maximising Wales' renewable energy capacity.

This episode will help listeners understand the strategic importance of grid investment and how overcoming current capacity constraints could unlock new opportunities for sustainable energy generation and consumption in Wales.

Host Lord Carwyn Jones is joined by guests Chris Williams, Commissioner, Electrifying Britain, James Gibson-Watt, Powys County Council and Daryn Lucas, Managing Director, Green Gen Cymru.

Episode Two:

The Cost of Electrification – Technology vs Inaction

Welcome to Episode 2 of GRID – The Cost of Electrification: Technology vs Inaction.

In this episode, host Carwyn Jones explores the real price of powering up Wales. It's not just a question of overhead lines versus underground cables – it's about what we lose when the grid can’t keep pace with ambition. With insights from Stephen Rowlands of Green Gen Cymru, Abi Beck from RenewableUK Cymru, and Eryl Roberts of Jones Bros, we examine both the cost of building the infrastructure and the economic risks of delay.

From stranded renewable projects to stalled investment, this episode asks: what’s the bigger cost – the technology, or inaction?