The UK Government has emphasised its commitment to renewable energy projects in Wales, in its response to the Welsh Affairs Committee’s report, Renewable Energy in Wales.
In response to the report published in July, the UK Government reiterated that the Crown Estate is intending to hold a new leasing round for floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea, with three floating wind test and demonstration projects having passed through the initial application criteria.
The UK Government also confirmed floating offshore wind developers will be able to bid in the next Contracts for Difference auction later this year.
Government officials continue to engage with tidal stream developers to understand their cost-reduction trajectories, the UK Government said.
To make sure more offshore wind farms can connect to the Grid, the Offshore Transmission Network Review seeks to ensure that future connections for offshore wind are delivered through increasing coordination.
The UK Government remains committed to establishing a Freeport in Wales as soon as possible.
Welsh Affairs Committee chair, Stephen Crabb MP, said: “It is welcome news that with only a week to go until COP26, that the UK Government is again reaffirming its commitment for renewable energy in Wales.
“While the UK Government rejected our recommendation to implement a Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution for Wales, it is promising that there continues to be dialogue between the governments, arm length bodies such as Ofgem, and developers to further low carbon energy.”