6. Will the Minister make a statement on renewable energy in South Wales West? OAQ54272

Renewable energy is a critical part of the efficient and reliable low-carbon energy system that will support a prosperous low-carbon Wales. The Welsh Government continues to work with a range of partners across South Wales West to develop and deliver a strong and positive future for renewable energy.

Thank you very much for that answer, Minister. You may have heard yesterday during the business statement that the Trefnydd told me that the £200 million originally earmarked by Welsh Government to support a Swansea tidal lagoon was still available in reserves, but, of course, it would depend on the details of any project brought forward before any future commitment could be made for all that money. I hope that the new proposed model—that would see long-term energy supply sold to the large companies in advance—is a model that could be supported by the Welsh Government, subject to detail of course. So, I wonder if you could tell me whether you agree in principle that this new model for a Swansea tidal lagoon could be supported by Welsh Government, but in particular whether you can update me on progress by Natural Resources Wales in the granting of the marine licences that need to go alongside the current planning permission. As you know, that’s due to expire shortly, and I’d hate to think that it fails simply on the ground that the marine licences are very, very slow coming forward. Thank you.

Thank you. I did hear the Minister for Finance and Trefnydd say that yesterday. I clocked that. And you’ll be aware of the huge amount of work the Welsh Government’s been doing, particularly with the Swansea bay city region, to support them to review the strategic options for the development of lagoon technology. And I think what the report does show is an encouraging, innovative approach to develop a financially viable project. So, that work is currently being considered by officials. In relation to your answer around Natural Resources Wales, I’m not sure of the progress of that specific licence. I’m meeting with the chair and chief exec of NRW in the morning, so I will ask them and I will write to the Member, but you may have heard me say in an earlier answer that the First Minister and I met with Natural Resources Wales last Thursday in Bangor to discuss licensing in relation to tidal energy in particular.