Green economy

Inquiry5

The Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee has been set up by the Senedd to look at policy and legislation, and to hold the Welsh Government to account in specific areas. These areas include business, economic development, skills, international trade, agriculture, fisheries and food.

The Committee undertook an inquiry into the green economy.

Terms of Reference

In particular, the Committee considered the below:

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>>>Within its devolved powers, what should be the Welsh Government’s key priorities to maximise the potential economic opportunities from green economy sectors? To what extent does its current approach reflect these?

>>>What are the key barriers to Wales making the most of opportunities in the green economy, and what steps should be taken to overcome these?

>>>What actions should the Welsh Government take to support development of Wales-based supply chains in green economy sectors?

>>>What skills challenges exist in relation to transitioning to a green economy? What actions should be taken, and by whom, to ensure the skills are there to meet the growing demands of a green economy?

>>>What will workers and employers need for a just transition to a Net Zero economy to be achieved, and what actions should the Welsh Government take to deliver the elements of this that lie within its devolved powers?

>>>How will the Welsh Government need to work in partnership with others to realise the potential of the green economy and deliver a just transition? To what extent is the partnership working that is needed being undertaken?

>>>The Welsh Government says it will face considerable budgetary constraints in the short term. How should it prioritise investment to support development of the green economy over the shorter and longer-term? What innovative approaches to financing could be considered to maximise potential investment and benefits?

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On 12 August 2024, the Committee wrote to the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, and Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, UK Government (PDF 80KB)

On 4 September 2024, the Committee received a response from the Minister of State, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and the Department for Business and Trade, UK Government (PDF 101KB)

On 12 August 2024, the Committee wrote to The Crown Estate (PDF 86KB)

On 11 September 2024, the Committee received a response from The Crown Estate (PDF 235KB)

Report

The Committee published its report “Green economy” on 14 March 2025 (PDF 2.62MB)

Welsh Government response (PDF 123KB)

A debate was held in Plenary on 11 June 2025.