Wales can help the UK to meet its energy needs, according to Energy Secretary Ed Davey.

Speaking in the House of Commons at the end of last month, he said: “We have already seen Wales attract significant investment in new energy infrastructure, and it can play a major role in meeting the UK’s energy needs.

"Renewable energy is a key part of this, with the total amount of electricity generated from renewable resources in Wales steadily increasing —it rose by 33% in 2010-11.

“There are already a number of established renewable-energy projects, such as Gwynt y Môr or the innovative Skerries Tidal Stream Array. As we focus on continuing to grow the renewable sector, I want to see Wales securing investment and benefitting from even more high-quality jobs.

"Businesses in Wales must embrace this opportunity, through direct involvement in renewable-energy development and also through the supply chains; now is the perfect time for companies looking to join or expand into the sector.”

Last month, renewable-energy developer Vattenfall announced that it was laying the first foundations for 76 turbines at the £400 million Pen y Cymoedd wind farm. This scheme — on Welsh Assembly land between Neath Port Talbot and Rhondda Cynon Taf — will generate enough power to meet the domestic needs of both county boroughs when it becomes operational in 2017.