The Welsh Affairs Committee at Westimster has launched an inquiry into grid capacity issues and their effect on Wales and its ability to meet Net Zero targets.
In a previous report the Committee argued that Wales could be a leader in renewable energy, with strengths in onshore and offshore wind, solar, wave and tidal energy. However, it found that infrastructure issues, such as grid capacity, could hinder renewable energy projects.
The Committee now plans to considering existing grid constraints and it will make recommendations to government on what measures should be taken.
It is inviting written evidence by 31 March on the following questions:
• What are the current capacity issues facing the National Grid?
• How will constraints on Wales’ grid increase as demand for renewable energy surges?
• How can Wales unlock the grid and ensure that it is ready for future demand?
• What can be done to incentivise investment in grid flexibility, in particular ‘vehicle to grid’ technology and ‘smart’ charging?
• What should be done to ensure that the grid, particularly in rural areas, can cope with the extra demand from electric vehicles?
• What level of anticipatory investment in grid capacity is required by the UK government in order to ensure that Wales can deliver its decarbonisation roadmap?
• How can the UK government, the Welsh government and Ofgem work together to improve grid capacity?

Rt Hon Stephen Crabb MP, Chair of the Welsh Affairs Committee, said: “As our Committee found last year, grid capacity poses potentially serious barriers to Wales becoming a world leader in renewable energy. Our Committee has today launched this inquiry to delve deeper into what the potential roadblocks are, and how they can be addressed so we remain on track to meet our net zero commitments.”

Follow the inquiry here