Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:04 pm on 20 March 2018.
Yes, we're very much aware of the issue of grid constraints, particularly in south Wales, which are restricting the ability to deliver renewable energy projects in some areas, and it's been an ongoing issue for some time. We've raised these concerns with Western Power Distribution, who manage the distribution network in south Wales. Although it's called 'the grid', it isn't, of course, a single entity. We've been assured that there are no widespread restrictions on the network, but ease and cost of connection to the network very much depend on a number of factors, like the size of the connection, where the site is, what other generation demand is already connected to the network, what the capacity already is—it's a very complex web to negotiate. So, because of that, we are convening a group to work with us on solutions to the challenges inherent in developing a grid suitable to support our future energy systems, and then we will be able, as a result of convening that group, to develop options to address Wales's grid infrastructure issues, which are very much live. I'm sure that the Cabinet Secretary, once that group has been convened, will want to update the Senedd as to how it's going and its future work progress.