New programme to accelerate industrial electricity connections announced as over 170 leaders gather for EmpowerCymru 2026
More than 170 leaders from 70 organisations will come together in Cardiff today (29 September) for EmpowerCymru 2026, Net Zero Industry Wales’ annual conference focused on accelerating industrial growth and the transition to net zero in Wales.
Net Zero Industry Wales (NZIW) – an independent body which supports and enables Welsh industries to decarbonise as part of the clean energy transition – is bringing together industry, investors, government, infrastructure providers, innovators and thought leaders under one roof.
EmpowerCymru, now in its third year, showcases Wales’ clean energy ecosystem and the role it can play in supporting productivity, connectivity and industrial growth.
The sold-out conference will hear from speakers including Adam Price MS, Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy; Future Generations Commissioner for Wales Derek Walker; and Laura Lotinga, Director of Corporate Affairs at NESO, with sessions exploring how Wales can unlock investment, accelerate projects and strengthen its position as a leading clean energy transition hub, with the industrial clusters – SWIC and NEWID – playing a key role in delivering that ambition.
New collaboration aims to unlock electricity network capacity
Coinciding with EmpowerCymru, National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED), NZIW, and Celtic Freeport have announced a multi-year innovation programme aimed at helping industrial customers connect to the electricity network sooner, and in so doing support economic growth in South Wales.
The collaboration will test new ways of making better use of the existing electricity network’s capacity while longer-term infrastructure is developed, addressing an issue identified as a significant barrier to industrial investment and growth.
The programme also builds on the South Wales Industrial Dialogue, which brought together more than 30 industrial organisations and identified more than 25 potential solutions around earlier connections, greater flexibility and better use of existing network capacity.
The first project will explore whether batteries can help manage supply and demand and create more capacity on the electricity network. This could then enable more energy projects and industrial customers to connect sooner, while making better use of the existing grid.
Ben Burggraaf, Chief Executive of Net Zero Industry Wales, said:
“EmpowerCymru brings together more than 170 leaders from across industry, government, energy, infrastructure and investment to share ideas, make connections and, importantly, look at how we turn ambition into action.
“The programme announced with National Grid Electricity Distribution and Celtic Freeport is a great example of that in practice – public and private sector organisations working collectively to address a challenge that is holding back industrial growth and investment.
“There is a significant opportunity for Wales to establish itself as a leading clean energy transition hub while remaining a cornerstone of the UK industrial base, but success will be measured not by the number of plans we create or visions we share, but by the tangible impact we deliver on the ground.
“Net Zero Industry Wales are not here to make the inevitable happen. We are here to make happen what otherwise wouldn’t.”
Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, Adam Price, said:
“Net Zero Industry Wales has established EmpowerCymru as a flagship event for Wales’ industrial and energy future.
“There are significant investment opportunities associated with energy and industrial transition and Empower Cymru highlights the scale of ambition that exists across Wales.
“We are committed to working with Net Zero Industry Wales, and all other partners to create the conditions for sustainable industrial growth and to turn opportunities into lasting economic success that directly aligns with our productivity mission and retains value for Wales.”
Showcasing projects across Wales
This year’s EmpowerCymru will put the projects, infrastructure and investment opportunities shaping Wales’ industrial future at the centre of the conversation, exploring what is needed to move from ambition and planning into delivery.
Projects being showcased span Wales and include: Milford Haven Waterway, Future Port Talbot, Celtic Freeport, HyLine Gogledd and HyLine Cymru, Holyhead Hydrogen Hub, Marine Energy Test Area (META), MaresConnect Interconnector and Green GEN Cymru grid developments.
The conference will also see five emerging projects take part in Pitch Perfect, presenting their propositions to a panel of industry and investment experts. The finalists are Social Virtual Power Plant (SVPP) from the Centre for Energy Equality; Hydrostar from Hydrostar Europe; Waste2Worth CarbonCraft from Davant Commodities; VERIF-EYE Cymru from Modular Clinton Global; and HyComplate.
The session will put a spotlight on emerging projects and technologies with the potential to contribute to Wales’ industrial transition, while giving finalists the opportunity to connect with expertise and investment that could help take their ideas forward.
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
About Net Zero Industry Wales
Net Zero Industry Wales (NZIW) is an independent body which supports and enables Welsh industries to decarbonise and transition to net zero, bringing together industry and partners to help unlock the opportunities of Wales’ clean energy transition.
About EmpowerCymru
EmpowerCymru is Net Zero Industry Wales’ annual conference, bringing together leaders from industry, government, investment, infrastructure and innovation to explore the projects, partnerships and opportunities shaping Wales’ industrial and net zero future. EmpowerCymru 2026 brings together more than 170 leaders representing over 70 organisations.
For more information about NZIW, interview opportunities or other media enquiries, please contact: Charlotte Morgan – charlie@grasshopper-comms.co.uk / 07540 303002
More information: https://nziw.wales / https://nziw.wales/empowercymru-2026-programme/