If Wales is serious about becoming a world leader in renewable energy, then the conversation must start with the grid – specifically, the urgent need to develop modern grid infrastructure in Mid Wales.
Mid Wales can spearhead Wales’ onshore renewable revolution. But it is being held back by one fundamental barrier:, the absence of a fit-for-purpose electricity grid.
Look at the map. North and South Wales benefit from established grid networks that that power homes, hospitals, businesses, and enable new projects to connect with relative ease.
In stark contrast, Mid Wales is a grid desert.
This is not a dry technical problem-it’s the single biggest bottleneck that’s blocking significant social and economic opportunities in a region that has been crying out for investment over many years. Without a modern network, ready-to-go renewable energy projects stay stuck on paper, and communities lose out on investment, jobs, and growth.
Some argue generation should come first, others say demand. In truth, Mid Wales has both – huge renewable generation potential and growing demand from homes, EVs, industry, and agriculture. What’s missing if the infrastructure to connect them.
I’ve spent years working with rural businesses and farmers across Mid Wales. The message is always the same:
“We want to invest. We want to innovate. We want to decarbonise. – But we can’t.”
Why? Because they can’t access the electricity capacity required to support new machinery, electric fleets, heat pumps or local energy projects. Farmers want to install solar panels and wind turbines on their land, to drive local energy resilience and support the transition. But they’re told the grid can’t accommodate them. In fact, 60% of businesses in Mid Wales highlight grid as a major barrier to business growth and decarbonisation.
This is not just a Mid Wales problem – it’s a national problem. If we fail to close the infrastructure gap here,, we fail to unlock Wales’ full potential. Worse, we stunt rural economic growth and miss the chance to build a fair, balanced green economy.
The solution is clear: bold, coordinated action. That means new grid corridors through Mid Wales, faster planning, meaningful community engagement, and a clear government signal that Wales is open for business – everywhere.
Grid development is not an inconvenience. It’s the foundation of a modern economy. Other nations around the world understand this and are moving faster. Wales cannot afford to lag behind.
There is no clean growth without new infrastructure. And there is no new infrastructure without political will, collaboration, and a long-term vision.
For Wales, the path is obvious: remove the barriers, unleash Mid Wales, and lead the world in renewable energy. It starts with the grid.
