Wales sets 70% renewables goal

The Welsh government has set a goal for the country to meet 70% of its power demand with renewable energy sources by 2030, according to an official statement.

Last year, about 32% of Wales’ total power generation came from renewables.

The 70% goal was announced by Cabinet Secretary for Environment Lesley Griffiths on Wednesday together with two other targets envisaging 1 GW of renewables capacity in the country being locally-owned by 2030, and renewable energy projects having “at least an element” of local ownership by 2020.

“I believe these are stretching but realistic targets which will help us to decarbonise our energy system, reduce long-term costs and deliver greater benefits to Wales,” said Griffiths.

The Environment Secretary further said that the Welsh government needs to take action so that the country can achieve the goals and called on the UK government to “support technologies to the point where they can compete in the market.” She noted that most of the investment from the British government currently goes for offshore wind projects, while the bulk of supply needs to come from the most affordable technologies. "That is why I have called repeatedly on UK Government to stop the ideological exclusion of onshore wind and solar from the Contracts for Difference process"

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