Source · Select Committees · Welsh Affairs Committee
Recommendation 23
23
Deferred
Paragraph: 116
We have heard that community energy projects face specific difficulties in connecting to the grid,...
Conclusion
We have heard that community energy projects face specific difficulties in connecting to the grid, and that the UK Government is not aware of those difficulties.
Government Response Summary
The Welsh Government has responsibility for renewable energy projects under 350 MW in Wales, and community energy schemes have access to support from the Welsh Government.
Paragraph Reference:
116
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
The Welsh Government has responsibility for renewable energy projects under 350 MW in Wales, recognising that community energy projects will fall below this threshold. The Welsh Government also has responsibility for all onshore wind. Community energy schemes within Wales have access to support from the Welsh Government. In addition to this, as promised in the Net Zero Strategy, the Community Energy Contact Group (CECG) has been re-established to strengthen Government’s engagement with the sector. A representative from Community Energy Wales attends the meetings as an observer and contributes to relevant issues. The CECG works with BEIS to set the agenda for the meetings and can discuss grid connection issues, should they choose to. Given we already have an established mechanism to engage with the community energy sector, we will not be establishing a working group to discuss access to the grid for community energy projects, at this time.