Energy Generation and Use in Wales

Energy Generation in Wales 2022

Commissioned by the Welsh Government, the latest iteration of the Energy Generation in Wales study delves into the energy generation landscape in Wales for the year 2022, examining its evolution over time and the progress made towards Welsh Renewable Energy Targets.

The aim is to support the Welsh Government with the development of energy policy, helping to evidence the economic, community and environmental benefits from the development of Welsh energy projects. 

The study analyses a variety of data sources to present a current overview of Wales’ energy generation and provides commentary on the uptake of renewable energy technologies in Wales, progress towards Welsh targets and the amount of generation under local ownership.  

• In 2022, the installation of 43 MW of renewable electricity projects contributed to a total of more than 3,550 MW of renewable electricity capacity in Wales.  
• A further 53 MW of renewable heat capacity was commissioned in 2022, bringing the total renewable heat capacity in Wales up to nearly 800 MW.  
• Notably, in 2022 a greater installation of renewable heat capacity compared to renewable electricity capacity was seen, with an uplift in the rate of deployment of heat pumps and a decrease in installed renewable electricity capacity compared to 2021.  
• The renewable energy installation rate for 2022 is the second lowest in the last decade, standing at just over a tenth of the 2015 peak, when over 1,000 MW was installed. 

Progress towards targets 

Progress towards the Welsh Government’s target for 70% of Wales’ electricity consumption to be from renewable sources by 2030 is assessed through analysing both electricity consumption and renewable electricity generation. A comparison between 2022 and 2021 reveals a decrease of around 650 GWh in Welsh electricity consumption and an increase of over 130 GWh of renewable electricity generation. Consequently, in 2022 Welsh renewable electricity generation relative to consumption stands at 59%. Progress towards this target is predominately due to a decrease in consumption, which is largely attributable to high energy prices across 2022. 

In 2022, progress towards the Welsh Government’s target for at least 1 GW of renewable energy capacity to be locally owned by 2030 stood at 97% (970 MW).  

You can find the latest report on the Welsh Government’s website here.

Energy Use in Wales Third Edition

The accompanying Energy Use in Wales Third Edition report explores energy consumption trends across Wales and how this varies over time.  

Here are some key highlights: 

• 22% reduction in energy consumption: From 2005 to 2021, Wales reduced its total energy use from 109.7 TWh to 85.5 TWh, though 90% of total energy use in Wales is from fossil fuels.  
• Energy demand by use: In 2021, heating for homes, businesses, and industry made up 45% of Wales’ total energy demand, followed by transport at 25%. 
• Energy demand by sector: The industry (37%) and domestic (27%) sectors were the largest energy consumers in 2021, in line with previous Energy Use reports. 
• Impact of COVID-19: Energy demand dropped by 8% in 2020, reflecting pandemic restrictions, before starting to rebound in 2021. 
• Regional consumption trends: From 2005 to 2021, energy use decreased across all four regions, with Cardiff Capital Region and Swansea Bay City Region together representing 71% of total annual energy consumption. 

Accurately tracking and communicating progress against energy targets is crucial to the delivery of net zero. It’s not just about data; it’s about shaping policies and market responses that make a real impact. Read the latest Energy Use in Wales Third Edition report here.  

Previous iterations of Energy Generation and Use in Wales 

2021

Highlights for 2021:

• Progress towards the 70% of Wales’ electricity consumption to be from renewable sources by 2030 stood at 55% in 2021. 
• Progress towards the 1 GW of renewable energy capacity to be locally owned by 2030 stood at ~90% (897 MW) in 2021.  
• 116 MW of new renewable electrical capacity was installed in Wales in 2021. 
• 29 MW of new renewable heat capacity was installed in Wales in 2021. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2018