Wales Creates 41,300 Clean Energy Jobs Worth £4 Billion

Wales is proving that fighting climate change can boost local economies, with clean energy industries now supporting more than 41,300 jobs and adding £4 billion to the nation's economy.

The green economy now represents 4.3% of Wales's total economic output, powered by over 1,300 businesses spread across the country. Most impressively, 87% of these companies are small or medium-sized firms, and 15% launched within just the past five years.

Workers in these green industries are thriving financially too. They earn an average of £39,812 annually, about 11% more than the typical Welsh worker, while generating £117,500 in economic value each. That productivity is nearly double the national average.

Small Welsh towns are emerging as unlikely clean energy powerhouses. Wrexham leads the pack with 7% of its local economy tied to green industries, supporting over 2,340 jobs. The town boasts a concentration of clean energy businesses eleven times higher than the UK average, including solar battery specialists and electric vehicle charging providers.

Pembrokeshire follows with 1,600 green jobs, anchored by a massive 100-megawatt green hydrogen facility. Rhondda Cynon Taf supports 2,890 jobs through wind farms built on former industrial sites, while Newport's 2,620 workers contribute through battery storage and advanced manufacturing.

The jobs span diverse fields from solar panel installation to electric vehicle software development. Around 160 companies focus specifically on heat pumps and renewable heating, helping homes and businesses cut their energy bills while reducing emissions.

The Ripple Effect

This transformation shows how environmental action creates opportunity rather than sacrifice. Small businesses are driving the change, installing solar panels, developing smart charging systems, and producing green hydrogen. Their work makes Wales more energy independent while building skills that position workers for the global transition to clean energy.

The analysis found Wales has a potential £13.1 billion pipeline of renewable energy projects representing enough capacity to power millions of homes. With 84% of the global economy now committed to reaching net zero emissions, Welsh companies are competing in a worldwide race to build the industries of tomorrow.

Russell Greenslade from CBI Wales notes the country's unique advantages, from natural assets to established manufacturing supply chains. He emphasizes that partnership between government and business can unlock even greater potential, creating high-value jobs in every corner of Wales.

These 41,300 workers aren't just earning good wages—they're building a cleaner, more prosperous future for their communities.