The event, which took place at ICC Wales, Newport on 7 and 8 October, was attended by representatives from Savills Earth, Major Projects, Environment and Infrastructure and Planning teams – which together provide end-to-end expert consultancy input for energy and infrastructure projects.

The UK infrastructure sector is entering a new era of change, driven by ambitious government investment, technological innovation and a growing emphasis on sustainability. In Wales, this new era is starting to play out with the leasing of the first 3GW in the Celtic Sea this year, along with Welsh Government’s investment in Ynni Cymru and its renewable energy company, Trydan Gwyrdd Cmyru, who recently went public with its first three projects in Wales.

In her keynote address, First Minister, Eluned Morgan MS was clear in her support for renewable energy in Wales and the infrastructure required to deliver it – with her perspective grounded in her previous professional experience within the sector. She said that the renewable energy sector was “a foundational part of Wales’ economy” and that her government remained committed to clean growth and clean power.

However, despite the high level of ambition within the sector to realise Wales’ potential, evident throughout the two days of presentations, panel debates and discussion between delegates, it was equally clear that there are some considerable challenges to navigate – some of which were noted as being ‘herculean tasks requiring herculean effort’.

The significant progress seen in Scotland over the last few years in terms of both renewable energy consents and deployment was highlighted, as was Britain’s leading role in offshore wind – providing evidence that Wales can take the same approach.  

A key discussion point was the grid network – both overhead and underground. There was recognition that both forms are needed but greater clarity is required in respect of the balance to be taken in selecting which form, noting the different effects they have.

One of the recurring key words throughout the two days was ‘certainty’ – the supply chain needs certainty, investors want certainty, and so on. The Renewables Sector Deal – a partnership between Government and industry to deliver the 17.9 GW of identified renewable energy capacity in Wales, along with the £46.9 billion in private investment and saving 13 million tonnes of CO2 – was suggested as a way of providing this certainty. RenewableUK said that the deal will need to provide greater certainty to the industry on grid infrastructure, planning, stakeholder resourcing, port investment, the supply chain and skills.

Jack Pugsley, a director in Savills Cardiff Planning, was a panellist on a plenary session ‘Opening the door to deployment’. He comments: “The discussion focussed on how the new Infrastructure (Wales) Act 2024 can provide certainty in respect of process, as well as the suggested need for additional policy to provide greater assurance to both applicants and decision-makers. It was also highlighted that whilst the approval rate of renewable projects has increased since last year’s conference, additional policies could provide the certainty which all parties are seeking – whether that be for the grid, battery projects, or the approach to be taken for best and most versatile agricultural land for solar projects or for peat for onshore wind developments – both of which currently pivot on the use of ‘wholly exceptional circumstances’.”

Savills has a key role in supporting the renewable energy and infrastructure sector across Wales, acting for both landowners and developers. Find out more at https://www.savills.co.uk/sectors/infrastructure.aspx.