Residents across Wales are being invited to share their views on proposals to establish a new public renewable energy company under the control of the Welsh government. The initiative, led by the Plaid Cymru administration, aims to consolidate various existing energy schemes into a single entity focused on developing and owning wind and solar assets.
Enterprise Minister Adam Price, speaking on BBC Radio Wales Breakfast, outlined the vision for an energy system that is “clean, cheap and owned by us.” He emphasized that while the new organization would not replace current energy suppliers or directly dictate household electricity prices, it seeks to reduce long-term costs by generating and owning renewable power. The company would also focus on supporting local community ownership stakes and investing in smart energy infrastructure.
The proposed entity would merge Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru (TGC), which already develops onshore wind and solar projects, with Ynni Cymru and the government’s energy service. TGC is currently involved in projects such as the Carreg Wen wind farm near Aberdare and Glyn Cothi in Carmarthenshire. The consultation is also considering whether the new company should retain the TGC name or adopt the Ynni Cymru brand.
Further proposals include the potential for the company to take stakes in larger-scale developments, including offshore wind, marine energy, and nuclear projects. Additionally, the government is exploring the creation of a Welsh Energy Wealth Fund to support vulnerable citizens and communities hosting energy projects.
Minister Price reflected on Wales’s history, noting that while the country was an energy giant during the Industrial Revolution, the benefits of its coal reserves were largely derived by outsiders. He stated a desire to avoid repeating that mistake with the nation’s current renewable energy potential.
The plans have drawn criticism from the Welsh Conservatives. Janet Finch-Saunders, the party’s energy spokesperson, argued that the government’s focus on state-owned companies and additional renewable infrastructure comes at a time when manufacturing jobs are declining. She stressed the need for cheap, reliable energy to maintain industrial competitiveness and keep household bills down.
During the 2026 election campaign, Plaid Cymru pledged that approved renewable projects would offer local communities a share of profits. This followed previous criticism from the Labour party regarding Plaid’s stance on green energy infrastructure, leading the party to propose a presumption in favor of undergrounding power lines and using wooden poles where necessary.
The new company would operate independently from Great British Energy, the public power entity established by the UK government in 2024. The consultation document invites feedback on how the new organization should function and whether it should pursue ownership stakes in major energy schemes.
Interesting move by Plaid Cymru. However, I wonder if the Conservatives have a point about manufacturing jobs needing cheaper power right now.
Smart infrastructure and community ownership are great ideas. But how will they ensure local people actually get meaningful shares in the profits?
Offshore wind stakes sound ambitious. Will this also protect Welsh coastlines, or is it just another excuse for industrial development?
I hope this actually lowers bills for residents. Last time promises were made, prices still went up. Actions speak louder than words.
Finally, Wales takes control of its own energy destiny. This is exactly what we need after years of external profit extraction.