Green Energy in Ynys Môn

Part of 1. Questions to the Minister for Economy – in the Senedd at 1:58 pm on 29 September 2021.

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Photo of Vaughan Gething Vaughan Gething Labour 1:58, 29 September 2021

As you'll know, as well as the proposals for offshore wind, we have with former European money supported the potential for tidal energy off Ynys Môn as well—real and significant potential for a new industry to be created, as well as a more mature industry that exists as well. I want to be clear—this isn't about moving investment; that would suggest it's going to come from somewhere else. It's actually about growing investment. I know in the second part of your question you were clear you want to grow the economy around Ynys Môn, and there is real potential here, and it requires us to work in a constructive way with both the council, but also with the UK Government, because some of the infrastructure points you mentioned, about making sure the grid is in a position to properly transmit the energy that is generated, and our ability to be able to have storage capacity as well, they require the UK Government to be part of the action as well.

Now, the differences between ourselves and the UK Government on a range of issues are very clear, but on this there should be room for a properly constructive approach. So, I look forward to meeting Greg Hands, the new energy Minister, who I dealt with in his former incarnation as a trade Minister, to have really constructive conversations about investment in Ynys Môn for both renewable energy and to finally get a decision on the future of nuclear energy, both on Ynys Môn but also in Trawsfynydd as well. There are opportunities but it requires some straight talking and some honesty from the UK Government and some decision making, because I do think that the case for that investment last time has left some people bruised about being led up the hill to think a significant investment was going to happen, then it didn't. So, we'd like to have some honesty, we'd like to have decision making and to make sure we gain the maximum benefit possible for our local communities.