Key changes for a greener, cleaner and healthier Wales

THE Net Zero Wales plan, which includes more than 120 government policies and proposals, sets out exactly what this means over the next three decades. Here are some of the key things that will change:

Electricity and heat generation

■■From 2021 there will be no new-build unabated fossil fuel generation in Wales. And by 2035, no greenhouse gases will be emitted from power stations as fossil fuels are replaced with low-carbon sources.

■■By 2025, 1GW additional renewable energy capacity will be installed. ■■Any additional supply will be met by decarbonised power plants from 2035.

It will be up to individuals to make better choices on how they heat their homes, which means switching to more low-carbon electricity and heating fuels. Transport

■■Emissions from public transport need to be reduced by 22% in 2025 (from 2019) and by 98% in 2050 through demand reduction, modal shift and the uptake of low-carbon technologies. ■■By 2030, the number of car miles travelled per person will be cut by 10%. In addition, the number of trips taken using public transport and active travel will jump to 35% by 2025 and 39% by 2030.

■■By 2025, 10% of passenger travel will be by zero-emission car and 48% of new car sales will be zero emission and there will be a comprehensive network of electric vehicle charging points on major trunk roads.

■■All existing road proposals will be paused and reviewed.

■■Welsh Government will push the UK Government for a full devolution of rail services and infrastructure and to develop rail services and provide new stations between Cardiff and Severn Tunnel Junction.

Housing

■By 2025, 148,000 houses will have retrofit measures to reduce heat loss.

■By 2025, all new affordable homes will be built to net-zero carbon with the ambition that net-zero standards are adopted by developers of all new homes regardless of tenure.

■20,000 new low-carbon homes will be built in Wales.

■More support will be given to private landlords to improve energy efficiency.

Industry and business

■By 2025 the electrification of industrial processes will be increased by an average of 3% and the use of hydrogen will be increased by an average of 3%.

■Industries will be encouraged to switch to low-carbon fuel sources.

■People will be encouraged to shop closer to home.

Farming

■A Sustainable Farming Scheme will require all farms across Wales to reduce farm emissions through improved livestock, land and manure management.

■10% of agricultural land will be shared to support tree-planting by 2050 while maintaining strong food production.

■People will be encouraged to consider their diet and to eat healthier, more sustainably sourced food and to actively consider the positive impacts of eating locally sourced food and minimising waste.

Land use and forestry

■By 2030, 43,000 hectares of woodland will be created and a further 180,000 hectares by 2050. Many of the trees planted will contribute to the new National Forest for Wales.

■The sale of peat in compost will be banned.

Waste management

■By 2025, zero waste will be sent to landfill.