Support for Welsh Government energy development

Local Partnerships is proud to have supported the Welsh Government energy development to establish a state-owned energy developer.

This was announced by the Minister for Climate Change, Julie James, in response to energy insecurity, the cost-of-living crisis and the increasing threats posed by the climate and nature emergencies.

Local Partnerships supported the Welsh Government through setting up the programme and developing the business case which was signed off by the Minister. We have worked to establish a portfolio of renewable energy projects, developed the procurement initiatives required to enable this and helped establish appropriate governance and programme management. We also helped the Welsh Government to determine that setting up the company was the best path for taking forward this programme.

Speaking in the Senedd the Minister said energy profits created in Wales will deliver greater benefit for people in Wales, adding:

“We want to harvest our wind and use it to produce power that directly benefits people in Wales.

“We will set up a publicly-owned renewable energy developer. This is a long-term sustainable investment that puts net zero and the communities of Wales at the heart of the transition we need.   

“We are in a climate emergency and our approach is in stark contrast to the UK Government that is focusing on fracking and fossil fuels – opposed by most communities and incompatible with our international obligations.”

Having reached this important milestone for Welsh Government energy development, Local Partnerships is looking forward to providing continued support to the programme and helping establish the new company by April 2024.

Climate: Wales to set up publicly-owned renewable energy firm – BBC News

Local Partnerships is jointly owned by the Local Government Association, HM Treasury and the Welsh Government. We facilitate change by working impartially and collaboratively across all parts of central, local and regional government, and the devolved administrations.

We work solely for the benefit of the public sector. We help public sector organisations face the ever-increasing challenge of meeting rising demands for services, with shrinking budgets.

Our aim is to strengthen the public sector to deliver more effectively, achieve more swiftly, and give value for money to the taxpayer and public service customer. We work with local authorities and other public service providers across England and Wales.