The Deal aims to unlock 17.9GW of renewable capacity, secure £46.9 billion in private investment and save 13 million tonnes of CO₂ across Wales – equivalent to the annual electricity emissions of 1.7 million homes.  

But without a long-term strategy, dedicated resources and firmer commitments the deal remains a work in progress, says Walker. 

Wales has legally binding climate targets to reach net zero emissions by 2050, and a target of 100% of its electricity to be met by renewable sources by 2035.  Demand for electricity is rising as transport and heating systems go electric. Energy security is also becoming an increasing concern across all four UK nations due to global instability. 

The Commissioner welcomed the Deal’s proposals for a long-term green skills programme for Wales, including early STEM engagement, the introduction of workforce tutors in schools, expanded apprenticeship pathways, and enhanced training resources to inspire future generations.  

But he cautioned that future energy plans must not come at the expense of community involvement, transparency, environmental integrity, and rural tourism. 

In written advice to Rebecca Evans MS, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Derek Walker called for the Deal to: 

-Be underpinned by a long-term vision for renewable energy in Wales with clarity on how much energy is needed and where that would come from. 

-Improve transparency and make meaningful community involvement a core requirement 

-Protect nature and environmentally sensitive areas and create stronger undergrounding requirements 

-Mitigate the impacts of net zero infrastructure on communities, rural tourism, visual amenity, natural and cultural assets.

There is no point solving one problem whilst making other problems worse. This is the integrated approach that the Well-being of Future Generations Act sets out. 

“Public trust in renewable energy infrastructure depends on effective involvement with local communities and Welsh Government must set clear expectations and requirements for developers who seek to deliver projects in Wales and ensure communities have a strong voice in the decisions. 

“The deal must deliver benefits for citizens and consumers, including community benefit funds, shared ownership options, lower bills, and access to the grid for local businesses.”  

In his Future Generations Report published in April 2025, Mr Walker highlighted the important role that community and publicly owned energy schemes – must play in meeting net zero. He has called on Welsh Government to double its community energy targets. 

The commissioner said the new Welsh Government must build on today’s Deal and go further to make sure Wales’ energy transition minimises its impacts and delivers meaningful benefits for the people and places most affected.