Full Breakdown
Welsh Government launches consultation on a new publicly-owned renewable energy company
9/8/2026, 10:58:10 AM
Proposal Overview
The Plaid Cymru-led Welsh Government has opened a public consultation on plans to create a state-owned renewable energy company. The entity would “develop and own” wind and solar assets, support community ownership, and invest in smart local energy systems, but it would not replace existing suppliers or set household electricity prices. The consultation asks whether the existing on-shore wind and solar developer Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru (TGC) should form the basis of the new company, whether it should retain its name or be called Ynni Cymru, and whether it could take stakes in larger schemes such as offshore wind, marine energy or nuclear. A Welsh Energy Wealth Fund is also proposed to channel project benefits to vulnerable communities.
Government Rationale
He argued that a publicly owned company could lower costs through agreements with large local energy users and keep more of Wales’s renewable potential in Welsh hands. The government stresses that the new company would be separate from Great British Energy, the UK-wide public energy firm created in 2024, and that it aims to attract investment into Welsh energy infrastructure while supporting local and community ownership.
Verbatim Quotes
- “said: "Just over two weeks ago Plaid Cymru announced they were finalising their approach to a National Energy Strategy, we now learn they are launching another consultation to go over ground already covered.” — Vikki Howells
- “While thousands of well-paid manufacturing jobs are being lost, the Welsh government's answer is another state-owned company and yet more wind turbines and solar farms across the Welsh countryside.” — Janet Finch-Saunders, Welsh Conservative energy spokesperson
- “ Jason O'Connell, Reform Wales' spokesperson economy and transport, said: "Welsh families are already paying some of the highest energy bills in the UK, yet Plaid wants to build a publicly-owned energy company instead of focusing on getting bills down.” — Jason O'Connell, Reform Wales' spokesperson economy and transport
What’s Next
The consultation is open to responses from individuals, communities, businesses and organisations across Wales until 30 November. The government will consider the feedback when shaping the final structure and mandate of the proposed company.
