The Welsh Government published a consultation in January 2023 reviewing its renewable energy targets, according to an update on its renewable energy deep dive published on 27 April 20231. The update states that the consultation closed on 18 April and that responses are being analysed, with any adjustments to the targets to be made as necessary1.
The consultation set out three proposed targets. The first is to meet the equivalent of 100% of annual electricity consumption from renewable electricity by 2035, and to keep pace with consumption thereafter1. The second is for at least 1.5GW of renewable energy capacity to be locally owned by 2035, excluding heat pumps1. The third is for 5.5GW of renewable energy capacity to be provided by heat pumps by 2035, contingent on scaled up support from the UK Government and reductions in the cost of technology1.
| Proposed target | Level | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Renewable electricity as equivalent of annual consumption | 100% | 2035 |
| Locally owned renewable energy capacity (excluding heat pumps) | At least 1.5GW | 2035 |
| Renewable energy capacity provided by heat pumps | 5.5GW | 2035 |
The Welsh Government set out its overall aim in the update:
"Our Vision is for Wales to generate renewable energy to at least fully meet our energy needs and utilise surplus generation to tackle the nature and climate emergencies."
The same document states that the government "will accelerate actions to reduce energy demand" and "maximise local ownership retaining economic and social benefits in Wales"1. It also records that local energy area plans (LAEPs) will form the foundation of a National Energy Plan (NEP), to be created by 2024, mapping future energy demand and supply across Wales to match local renewable generation with demand1. Suppliers are being appointed to work with Cardiff Capital Region, Ambition North Wales and South-West Wales1.
On energy advice, the update says the government wants an easy to access advice service to help people improve the energy efficiency and smart performance of their homes and businesses, alongside a ready supply of trusted suppliers and installers of low carbon heating systems in Wales1. It states that a public consultation on the Heat Strategy will take place in Summer 2023, with the final strategy published by the end of 2023, and that tenders for the new Warm Homes Programme are expected to be invited in the summer, with procurement by the end of the calendar year1.
Why it matters for households
The targets are set at national level, but two of them touch directly on what homes use. The heat pump figure of 5.5GW is a measure of installed capacity rather than a count of homes, and the government attaches a condition to it: scaled up support from the UK Government and reductions in technology costs1. That condition means the target is not solely within Welsh control. The 1.5GW local ownership target excludes heat pumps, so it applies to generation such as wind and solar rather than to home heating equipment1.
For a household, the practical link runs through the advice and installation side. The update describes a desired advice service covering energy efficiency and smart performance, and a supply of trusted suppliers and installers of low carbon heating1. Both are still at procurement or consultation stage, so no details of eligibility, funding levels or delivery bodies for the new Warm Homes Programme have been reported. The 100% renewable electricity target is framed as meeting the equivalent of annual consumption, not as a guarantee about the source of power at any particular socket or time1.
What happens next
The consultation closed on 18 April 2023, and the government says it will analyse responses and publish updated renewable energy targets by Summer 20231. A public consultation on the Heat Strategy is due in Summer 2023, with the final strategy by the end of 20231. Tenders for the new Warm Homes Programme are expected in the summer, with procurement by the end of the calendar year1. The National Energy Plan is scheduled for completion in 20241.