Up to 43% of Wales' electricity consumption came from renewable sources in 2016, according to a new study.

The Energy Generation in Wales 2016 report revealed the 43% figure is an increase compared with the previous year (32%).

Other key highlights include:

• There are more than 67,000 renewable projects, up 23% since 2014

• Renewable energy capacity increased by 47% since 2014, making up 18% of all electricity generation

• A 97% increase in renewable heat capacity

• There are 62,420 projects of renewable energy projects in local ownership, generating 575MW

• Solar PV is the most common renewable technology, accounting for 81% of renewable projects

• Onshore wind has the largest installed capacity of renewable technology, with a 54% increase in capacity since 2014.

With plans announced in September for Wales to generate 70% of its electricity consumption from renewable energy by 2030, Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Planning and Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths said the Government is "committed to accelerating the transition of our energy system in Wales, particularly through the increased use of renewable energy".


"Our priorities are to increase energy efficiency, reduce our reliance on energy generated from fossil fuels and to actively manage the transition to a low carbon economy," she said.

"That is why I commissioned the Energy Generation in Wales study to provide a complete picture of energy in Wales and for us to see the progress that has been achieved."

Other plans announced in September included to have at least an element of local ownership by 2020 and for at least one Gigawatt of renewable electricity capacity to be locally owned by 2030.

"In September, I set ambitious new targets to deliver a low carbon energy system and secure benefits for Wales. Today's report shows we are already making very encouraging progress on renewable energy," Ms Griffiths continued. "2016 was quite a year for energy here. We generated enough renewable energy to provide 43 per cent of the electricity we used.

"Flintshire already hosts the biggest solar project in the UK and now we have Pen y Cymoedd, the largest wind project in England and Wales.

"By using our abundant natural resources in a sustainable way, we can ensure energy continues its important role in achieving our energy and decarbonisation targets. By doing so, we will deliver a prosperous and low carbon Wales."

(LM)