Wind2, proud to support the Renewable Energy Sector Deal for Wales 2026
The Renewable Energy Sector Deal for Wales 2026 is a step forward in Wales’s ambition to become a leader in clean energy while ensuring economic and social benefits are felt locally.
Announced by the Welsh Government on the 18th March 2026, the deal establishes a formal partnership between government, the industry and communities to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy across Wales.
This comes at a crucial time for not only Wales’s energy security but the whole of the UK. Ongoing geopolitical instability has triggered an energy crisis across the globe, further demonstrating the urgent need to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Wind2’s Site Origination Director, Chris Thomas joined the Welsh Government, community organisations and industry peers in shaping the deal, helping ensure it is fit for purpose and capable of delivering meaningful local community benefits.
A key feature of the deal is its emphasis on community benefit and local ownership. The Welsh Government has set a target for 1.5 GW of locally owned renewable energy capacity by 2035, reinforcing its commitment to ensuring communities hosting projects see tangible, lasting value, helping to build public support.
The deal also recognises the key barriers facing the sector, including grid constraints, planning timelines, and skills shortages. By working collaboratively with industry, it aims to identify practical solutions and unlock stalled or delayed projects.
Chris said, ‘I am extremely proud to have been amongst my peers shaping the direction of the Renewable Energy Sector Deal for Wales 2026. The current global energy volatility highlights the critical importance of energy security and the urgent need to accelerate the transition to renewable energy.’
At its core, the Sector Deal is focused on delivery, supporting the expansion of a wide range of technologies, including onshore and offshore wind, solar, hydro, and emerging marine energy. Crucially, it is designed not only to increase renewable energy capacity, but to do so in a way that strengthens Welsh supply chains, creates skilled jobs, and supports long-term economic growth.
Importantly, the deal aligns renewable energy with wider priorities such as energy security and cost-of-living pressures. By increasing domestic generation, Wales can reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels and improve resilience against global price shocks.
Chris concluded, ‘as a Welsh owned and headquartered renewable energy developer, the Renewable Energy Sector Deal for Wales aligns with Wind2 values and our hope for a transition to clean Welsh produced renewable energy. We can only hope that the much-needed grid infrastructure is expedited in order that Wales can fully realise its renewable energy potential.’
For more information visit: https://www.gov.wales/new-deal...;