Businesses, councils, academics and communities across Wales are being invited to help shape a new long-term plan for the country’s future energy system.
The National Energy System Operator (NESO) is seeking Welsh input as it develops a bespoke Regional Energy Strategic Plan (RESP) for Wales.
The plan will form part of a series of Regional Energy Strategic Plans being developed across Great Britain and is intended to provide a clearer picture of future energy needs, infrastructure requirements and investment opportunities.
NESO said it wants to work with businesses, the Welsh Government, local authorities, academia, the third sector and communities to ensure the plan reflects Wales’ priorities and ambitions.
Organisations and stakeholders are now being invited to express an interest in participating in the governance and engagement structures that will support the development of the Welsh RESP.
Expressions of interest are open until 9 October.
The work forms part of a wider change in how Britain’s future energy system is planned, with NESO taking a long-term, GB-wide approach intended to support consumers, investment, economic growth and energy security.
NESO Corporate Affairs Director Laura Lotinga said the development of a Welsh plan presented an opportunity to ensure the country’s particular energy opportunities and priorities were reflected in future infrastructure planning.
She said:
“Wales has strong renewable energy resources, innovative businesses, ambitious communities and a proud industrial heritage.
“Across the country there are significant opportunities to attract investment, support new industries and strengthen local economies. Our role is to help ensure the energy system supports those ambitions.
“The Welsh Regional Energy Strategic Plan will provide a clearer strategic picture of future energy needs and opportunities across Wales. This can help reduce uncertainty, support investment decisions and ensure future planning reflects the needs and ambitions of Welsh communities.
“That’s why NESO is asking Welsh organisations and stakeholders to engage with us to support the Welsh RESP plan. Together we can ensure Wales has a strong voice in developing the energy system that will serve us for decades to come.”
NESO is the independent, publicly owned National Energy System Operator for Great Britain, responsible for operating the electricity system and taking a strategic view of how the wider energy system needs to develop.
Its Regional Energy Strategic Plans are intended to bring national energy planning closer to regional and local priorities, providing a longer-term view that can inform decisions about infrastructure, investment and future energy demand.
