This episode takes a step back to look at the broader implications of grid development in Wales and the urgency now required to avoid long-term damage to economic growth, industrial resilience, and investor confidence.

It will explore the risks of delay, from stalled renewable energy projects and missed industrial opportunities to the growing perception that Wales lacks the infrastructure to support modern business needs. 

Welcome to Episode 2 of GRID – The Cost of Electrification: Technology vs Inaction.

In this episode, host Carwyn Jones explores the real price of powering up Wales. It's not just a question of overhead lines versus underground cables – it's about what we lose when the grid can’t keep pace with ambition. With insights from Stephen Rowlands of Green Gen Cymru, Abi Beck from RenewableUK Cymru, and Eryl Roberts of Jones Bros, we examine both the cost of building the infrastructure and the economic risks of delay.

From stranded renewable projects to stalled investment, this episode asks: what’s the bigger cost – the technology, or inaction?

In this episode host Carwyn Jones and guests Stephen Rowlands, head of construction and supply chain at Green Gen Cymru, Abi Beck, head of strategic communications - Cymru at RenewableUK Cymru and Eryl Roberts, Contracts Director at Jones Bros debate both sides of the equation and ask what the real trade-offs are – and can we afford to wait?

The opening episode introduces listeners to the critical importance of Wales’ electricity grid in supporting the transition to Net Zero. It will lay the foundation for the series by explaining how the grid functions, the challenges it faces, and why strengthening grid infrastructure is key to maximising Wales' renewable energy capacity.

This episode will help listeners understand the strategic importance of grid investment and how overcoming current capacity constraints could unlock new opportunities for sustainable energy generation and consumption in Wales.

Guests:

·       Host - Lord Carwyn Jones

·       Chris Williams, Commissioner, Electrifying Britain

·       James Gibson-Watt, Powys County Council

·       Daryn Lucas, Managing Director, Green Gen Cymru