Julie James – 2023 Statement on Renewable Energy Developer
The statement made by Julie James, the Welsh Minister for Climate Change, on 2 August 2023.
When I announced that Welsh Government would establish a Welsh state developer to benefit Welsh citizens, I committed to updating the Siambr on progress. I am happy to say that we are making progress at pace towards our launch date of April 2024.
One of the early questions is about how people see the company. The name is an important first step in making sure that it is an organisation people can recognise and understand the role it has in delivering for the people of Wales. Our new developer will be called Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru, making it absolutely clear that its intent is to power Wales into a clean and more prosperous future.
I am also very pleased that we have secured an excellent and highly skilled Chief Executive to lead the company, following an open and fair competition that attracted a strong and able field of candidates. We have appointed Richard Evans, who has both a strong professional background as a developer and has worked across the public sector helping us deliver our energy ambitions through the Welsh Government Energy Service. I look forward to working with Richard to deliver the ambitions I have for this company to make a real difference to our communities.
Our recruitment campaign is continuing throughout this year, as we look to staff the company with people with experience in energy development who want be part of this new and exciting company. We will also be searching for a Chair for an independent Board, which will have the important role of steering the company as it establishes itself and its projects.
A key focus of the company is supporting value creation for the people of Wales. Procurement is a hugely powerful tool in driving the changes we want to see. We have successfully contracted with some very skilled organisations to support the Trydan team in establishing well-designed renewable projects. We have focused on involving Welsh companies and delivering social value to Wales, and I look forward to reporting on how we realise these immediate benefits as the development process begins.
Though this is just another step in a long-term process and there is still much to do, I hope you will welcome these milestones on the way to the birth of Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru.
This statement is being issued during recess in order to keep members informed. Should members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Senedd returns I would be happy to do so.
