Welsh renewables developer shares offshore concern

Commenting on the news that that there were no bids for new offshore wind projects at the AR5 auction, Bute Energy Director of External Affairs, Aled Rowlands, said:

“The strong words from RenewablesUK Cymru and other renewable energy stakeholders are a reminder that we need to take action now to respond to the Climate Emergency, and generate more clean, green energy to meet our Net Zero targets.

“Offshore wind – including floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea, will play a key role in decarbonising heat, light and power across Wales and the UK. But these announcements highlight the challenges that remain.

“This uncertainty further demonstrates how onshore wind must be part of a diverse energy mix if we are to meet future Carbon Budgets and the Welsh Government’s target for electricity to be 100% renewable by 2035.

 “Onshore wind is a tried and tested technology, and one of the cheapest forms of renewable energy. It can be developed quickly, at scale, and can also support the wide-scale restoration and sustainable management of peatland, supporting the Welsh Government National Peatland Policy Ambition.

“Onshore wind also supports investment in communities, providing local groups, charities and services with funding to sustain their work and support those most in need in local communities. Additionally, onshore wind projects can help deliver recreational improvements, and support access to the countryside. 

“As the recent Climate Change Committee’s Progress Report on reducing emissions in Wales outlines, the roll-out of renewables in Wales has slowed since 2016 and now new energy infrastructure must be taken forward at pace.  

“At Bute Energy, we’re taking action now to help generate clean, green energy and distribute it to our homes and businesses, while investing in rural communities in Wales to help them have a healthy future.”

At Bute Energy, we’re making the Welsh weather work for Wales, developing onshore wind and solar farms across Wales that will help achieve Government Net Zero targets, heat homes, power businesses, and charge Electric Vehicles. Onshore wind is one of the most cost-effective choices for new electricity in the UK – cheaper than gas, nuclear, coal and other renewables.  This will reduce our reliance on imported fossil fuels.

Bute Energy has a vision of a healthier, wealthier Wales that uses energy generation as a positive power for the world, for Wales, for local communities – for this and future generations. The company is based in Cardiff and is tackling the Climate Emergency by powering Wales with clean, green energy, and empowering our communities through investment, jobs and skills.

The company is also working with local education, training, and employability providers to create inclusive employment pathways to enter the renewable energy industry. This includes work with local colleges to enhance the provision of green skill development programmes available locally, creating green skills centres of excellence across Wales, enabling a pipeline of talent for the renewable energy industry.