Will Wales lead this moment, or let it pass us by?
Swansea University student and Youth Advisory Board member Perys shares how Wales’ renewable technology could entice him to seek work in Wales.
I’ve always been passionate about the world we live in. Our countryside, our coastlines, and the landscapes that make Wales, so special.
That connection is what inspired me to study here, and it continues to drive my interest in how we can balance progress with protecting what Wales already offers. I’m an Environmental Science and Climate Emergency student, at Swansea University, and I do hope that I can stay here to start a career in renewable energy.
University has shown me the importance of being climate conscious and that individual action matters. My internship with Bute Energy in summer 2025 opened my eyes to just how exciting and meaningful the renewable energy sector can be.
I learnt that onshore wind, isn’t just about cutting emissions, it’s about economic opportunity, community benefit, and strengthening, our energy security.
Why is a career renewable energy attractive to young people in Wales?
Largescale infrastructure, when done well, can transform regions, and create the kinds of careers that encourage young people, like me, to stay in Wales.
From a young age, I’ve been fascinated by the systems that power our lives. That curiosity has grown, into a passion, for understanding future technologies. Especially artificial intelligence and how it can accelerate, the renewable transition.
Because right now, we’re at a pivotal moment.
Energy demand, is rising rapidly. As we electrify transport, heat our homes and expand digital infrastructure – demand will only increase. And AI, sits right at the centre of this challenge.
It’s an energy intensive technology, one we all use every day, so deploying it responsibly must be at the heart of decision making.
"AI can become part of the solution."
What role does AI play in renewable energy?
AI excels at prediction and optimisation. It’s already designing more efficient wind turbines:
- Predicting maintenance before failures happen
- Balancing supply and demand on the grid in real time.
- It helps identify the best locations for renewable projects by considering environmental, planning and social constraints.
This technology can make our energy systems smarter, cleaner and more resilient.
So, the question is: will Wales lead this moment, or let it pass us by?
Wales is incredibly well positioned.
We have world class, wind resources and growing renewable capacity, and various renewable developers, driving, onshore wind developments.
With major commitments, from Microsoft and Vantage to build data centres. The opportunity for long-term investment is real.
For someone like me, that is exciting. It makes the idea of building a future career in Wales, feel not just possible, but real.
"It’s empowering to have a real influence over the decisions being made today that shape the Wales that we will inherit tomorrow."
How to kick start a career in renewable energy in Wales
My role on the Youth Advisory Board, has shown me what can be achieved when young people are genuinely included in decision making.
It’s empowering to have a real influence over the decisions being made today that shape the Wales that we will inherit tomorrow.
After graduation I want to pursue a career in Welsh renewable energy and I think that says something.
If we make the right choices now, Wales becomes a place where young people don’t have to leave to find meaningful opportunities. Those opportunities, can be created here, rooted in the landscapes and communities that we value.
Perys’ three important messages:
- AI is a critical tool for optimising renewable energy systems.
- Wales has a unique opportunity to lead the deployment of this infrastructure, especially by co-locating AI and data centres with clean energy from the start.
- Young people must be at the table. This transition will only work if those who will live with its outcomes have a voice in shaping it.
What is the Youth Advisory Board?
Led entirely by the members themselves, the Board are young consultants acting as the business’ guide to better understand what matters to young people in Wales with regards to their future skills and careers.
Meet the Board
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