9 May – Question to Environment Minister RE Energy self sufficiency in Swansea Bay City Region

4. Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on progress towards making the Swansea Bay city region an energy self-sufficient area? OAQ52123

Lesley Griffiths AM 13:55:16

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Thank you. Our green growth and local energy services have supported the public sector and community enterprises to develop energy efficiency and renewable energy schemes in the Swansea bay city region. I support this work and the valuable contribution it will provide to the aims of the city region deal.48

Mike Hedges AM 13:55:33

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Can I thank the Cabinet Secretary for her response? Last week I attended an event run by the Institute of Welsh Affairs regarding the harnessing of renewable energy in the Swansea bay city region. I want to stress again the importance of the tidal lagoon to the region, and ask what support the Welsh Government is giving to improving battery storage, because that really is the answer when we’re generating electricity at times when there’s not the need for it, and then we haven’t got it available when there is the need for it. If we are going to get renewables to work, we need to ensure that both energy generated by the tidal lagoon, and, more specifically, energy generated by solar and by wind turbines, can be stored in such a way that it becomes available perhaps several months later when it’s needed. But that needs improved battery technology. So, the question, again, is: what is the Welsh Government doing to support improved battery technology?49

Lesley Griffiths AM 13:56:23

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Thank you for that question. Obviously, as I have responsibility for planning and marine licensing, I can’t comment on the specific project, but storage is a matter for the developer of any commercial energy project to consider. We know that we’re going to need storage of all types to manage more distributed and decarbonised energy systems. Time shifting electricity to match generation with demand is also very important. We also know that battery technology is quite expensive, so we do expect to see a reduction in price in future, but obviously, looking at the cost of installing enough storage to provide a continuous electricity supply could add significantly to the capital cost of a project. I am aware of the event that you attended last week, and I’m looking forward very much to seeing the results of the other work packages that were discussed there, and the delivery plan