The Welsh Government is finalising a new National Energy Strategy that will set out its vision for a low-carbon energy system, with renewable energy development, community ownership and the expansion of infrastructure for offshore wind among its priorities.

The strategy, which is due to be published later this year, will map Wales’ current and future energy needs and outline how the country plans to deliver the infrastructure required to meet them.

A key change will be the replacement of renewable energy targets with emissions reduction targets. The Welsh Government said the new approach will be supported by a stronger evidence base to assess where energy developments should be located and will consider their scale, location and impact.

Community benefits will also be central to the strategy. The Welsh Government said it will prioritise meaningful community ownership, reducing energy bills and ensuring that a greater share of the benefits generated by low-carbon energy remains within Welsh communities.

As part of this approach, the government plans to establish a Wales Wealth Fund, through which communities hosting renewable energy developments would become genuine beneficiaries. It also intends to create a Welsh Public Energy Company and develop Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru as a single national energy company aimed at expanding community and local ownership of renewable energy.

Offshore wind infrastructure

The strategy comes as Wales seeks to strengthen the infrastructure supporting its offshore energy sector. Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy Adam Price visited the Port of Mostyn and Port of Milford Haven this week to discuss their role in supporting offshore wind.

The Port of Mostyn said it is preparing to expand its construction port capabilities for the next generation of offshore energy projects in the Irish and Celtic Seas.

Jim O'Toole, Managing Director of the Port of Mostyn, said the port's expansion plans are intended to prepare for the next generation of offshore energy projects in the region.

Meanwhile, Tom Sawyer, Chief Executive of the Port of Milford Haven, said the port would work with government and industry to support the development of a low-carbon economy while retaining industrial capability, skilled jobs and energy infrastructure in Wales.

The Welsh Government also said it is progressing its policy on undergrounding electricity infrastructure at 132kV and below, with the National Energy Strategy expected to establish the actions and timelines for these changes.

Price said the transition to net zero represents both an environmental requirement and an economic opportunity for Wales, with the government aiming to attract investment, create jobs and support communities while increasing Welsh ownership of clean energy.

The National Energy Strategy will therefore seek to change how energy development is planned in Wales, including how its scale, location and local impacts are assessed, while also protecting productive agricultural land.

The Welsh Government said the strategy will provide the framework for these changes when it is published later in 2026.