Future of Welsh communities
Our stand welcomed over 1,000 visitors, predominantly local families, providing us with an invaluable opportunity to understand the community’s aspirations and concerns. These conversations are crucial as we map out what matters most to local communities using both qualitative and quantitative data to inform our projects and our Community Benefit Fund.
Addressing Public Concerns
During the event, we addressed a range of public questions about the development of onshore wind. Although we are in the early planning stages of many of our projects, sharing as much information as we can helped to alleviate some concerns and helped build a rapport with those who were meeting us for the first time. Visitors to the stand left comments and questions which we have noted and aim to get back in touch with as soon as possible.
One of the standout pieces of insight was the lack of awareness among children and young people regarding the diverse career opportunities within the renewable energy sector. There is a clear need for the industry to actively promote the array of skills, jobs, and future opportunities available, ensuring a well-informed younger generation. We believe we’ve made a start to address the issue alongside colleagues at Careers Wales, primary and secondary school programmes and within higher education settings. In the autumn we will be launching our Net Zero Skills strategy to outline our contribution to tackle the skills gap in Wales.
There is significant uncertainty in the agricultural community regarding future agricultural payments and the future economic prospects of the sector. This uncertainty is causing apprehension about their long-term sustainability and financial security. It’s imperative that we consider these economic factors when planning our renewable energy projects, ensuring they can offer tangible benefits to farmers.
We found that young people in rural Wales want a vibrant future for their communities. They are interested in job opportunities, investment prospects, and recreational activities that can keep their hometowns thriving. This insight is vital for us as we develop projects that not only provide energy but also contribute to local economic growth.
Concerns about climate change unite all generations and communities. This widespread recognition of the urgency to address climate change aligns perfectly with our mission to develop sustainable energy solutions. It reinforces the importance of our work and the necessity to communicate its long-term positive environmental impact.
The pace of change, the introduction of energy targets, and the planning of new renewable energy projects have generated numerous questions within communities. There is a pressing need for the government and decision makers to enhance its communication strategies, sharing more information and knowledge to help communities understand and engage with these initiatives.
Our experience at the Royal Welsh Show has provided us with critical insights. By understanding the community’s needs and concerns, we are better equipped to develop projects that not only advance renewable energy in mid Wales but also support the local economy and address environmental challenges.
The Royal Welsh Show has reaffirmed the importance of community engagement and effective communication in the renewable energy sector. As we move forward, we remain committed to addressing public concerns, promoting career opportunities in renewable energy, and contributing to a sustainable and vibrant future for rural Wales.
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