Wales clean growth map highlights £9bn renewable energy opportunity

1 September 2025

A new map has been published outlining how renewable energy and low-carbon industries could bring £9 billion of investment to the Welsh economy.

The “Wales Clean Growth Map” was launched jointly by RenewableUK Cymru and Net Zero Industry Wales, setting out current and future projects across the country. The organisations say the tool is designed to give policymakers, investors and legislators a clearer picture of the opportunities available, while also showing the potential impact on jobs, infrastructure and regional economies.

To support political debate ahead of the 2026 Senedd election, the map overlays the new 16 “super constituencies”. This allows candidates and decision-makers to identify clean energy and industrial projects in their local areas and assess the potential benefits.

The projects highlighted include offshore and onshore wind, solar, tidal energy, hydrogen production, battery storage, and carbon capture and storage. The map also identifies critical grid reinforcements, such as upgrades in Mid Wales, a proposed North–South transmission spine, and new interconnectors with Ireland and Scotland.

According to the organisations, scaling up renewable energy could add £6.9 billion to Wales’ economy over the next decade, with further savings of £2.1 billion possible if investment in low-carbon technologies helps to avoid further industrial decline.

The collaboration between the two groups reflects their wider aims: Net Zero Industry Wales focuses on decarbonising industry and protecting existing manufacturing, while RenewableUK Cymru promotes renewable energy as part of Wales’ economic strategy.

Ben Burggraaf, CEO of Net Zero Industry Wales:

“At its core, this map sends a powerful message: Wales is not just home to individual projects — it is building a connected, investable clean energy and industrial system using technologies including hydrogen production, Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), low-carbon fuels, battery storage, offshore and onshore wind, solar and tidal energy.”

Jess Hooper, Director of RenewableUK Cymru, said:

“Renewables are not just about delivering projects — they are about delivering a future. Clean energy is both a climate imperative and a once-in-a-generation economic opportunity. With this map, we’re making the case for action on where investment is needed, with real locations, real figures and real opportunities for every part of Wales.”