Community energy and ownership at the heart of the new Welsh Government’s priorities

20th May 2026

Community energy and community ownership featured at the heart of the new Welsh Government’s priorities this week, as First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth outlined a new approach to economic development and energy policy in the Senedd.

In his statement to the Welsh Parliament on 19 May, the First Minister signalled a shift towards “different economic thinking”, rooted in local benefit, public value and community empowerment. He announced “a new economic portfolio focused on enterprise, energy and connectivity, with community always at its core.”

This emphasis was clear in his comments on energy policy, where he argued that communities must no longer be treated as passive recipients of infrastructure decisions, but as active participants and owners.

“Missing, too often, from considerations has been the impact - negative, in the need for mitigation, and positive, in terms of community ownership and so on - that can flow from energy projects,” he said. “That will be a core principle that will guide us as a Government.”

The First Minister also stressed that community ownership and local benefit could transform public attitudes towards renewable energy developments and grid infrastructure.

“Attitudes can change within communities when people understand what benefits can flow from them,” he said. “It could be cheaper energy, it could be ownership, it could be a whole host of issues.”

Importantly, this approach signals a move away from an extractive model of economic development towards one based on partnership, participation and shared prosperity. By “putting the community at the heart of decisions”, the Government is recognising that the transition to clean energy must also deliver democratic and economic benefits for local people.

Alongside a commitment to devolving the Crown Estate, the statement suggests that community energy could become a defining feature of this new Government’s economic vision - one where wealth, ownership and opportunity are retained closer to home.

The community energy sector stands ready to work with the Welsh Government, local authorities, public bodies and industry to make this happen. If communities are to be at the heart of decisions, they must also be at the heart of delivery. Without a strong role for energy communities, it is difficult to see how Wales can fully achieve the economic and decarbonisation ambitions the First Minister has set out.

Read the full statement on the First Minister’s priorities here: Plenary 19/05/2026 - Welsh Parliament

Watch and listen to the First Minister’s statement on the new Government’s priorities here: Senedd.tv - Plenary - 19/05/2026