THE first of four regional roadshows being held in Wales to maximise on the momentum of the COP26 summit is being held in North Wales today (November 4), focussing on the region’s potential for renewable and green energy.

Minister for North Wales Lesley Griffiths provided a message for the event which aims to engage the region in a conversation around the COP themes.

The four roadshows form part of a broader programme of roadshow events being held right across the UK showing how Devolved Governments can work with the UK Government in tackling the climate emergency.

For North Wales, the focus is energy transition with a panel gathered at M-Sparc (Menai Science Park) on Anglesey to discuss how renewable energy can be produced, stored and distributed across Wales in the future.

Ahead of the event, Lesley Griffiths said: “I am very proud that the energy transition conversation is taking place in North Wales.

“We are well-placed to show the world how a transition to low carbon energy generation can drive benefits for communities.

“With wind power, including the UK’s first off-shore wind project, plans for hydrogen and great potential for marine, there is no doubt the region can be a key player in renewable energy generation.

“Nuclear energy also has the potential to make a contribution to eliminating the carbon emissions from our energy system before 2050.

“At the roadshow, participants will have the opportunity to discuss how we can secure wider benefits to Wales from the transition – through local jobs in clean technologies; new market opportunities for our businesses; building on our excellence in research, development and innovation; and bringing forward developments owned by local communities.

“The climate emergency is the greatest challenge we face and I’m pleased that the regions of Wales are able to play part in the important events currently under way.

“I am looking forward to continuing these important discussions, exploring the actions that we need to take, and hearing about some of the incredible work already underway towards accelerating the global transition to clean energy.”

Councillor Brian Jones, Denbighshire County Council’s lead member for Waste, Transport and the Environment, said: “We are proud to have helped organise this event which will highlight the region’s potential for renewable energy and green solutions.

“As a council, we are fully aware of the challenge, having declared a Climate Change and Ecological Emergency in 2019.

“Through this, we have committed to becoming a Net Carbon Zero and Ecologically Positive council by 2030, reducing the emissions from our supply chains by 35 per cent and changed our constitution so services consider the impact of climate change in their decision making process.

“We believe through events like these where good practice is celebrated and shared, innovations discussed and debated, we can co-ordinate action towards our shared goal of tackling this challenge.”

The four roadshows focus on the themes of energy, nature, adaptation, loss and damage, and clean transport.