The report follows the announcement of an inquiry by the committee last year and a subsequent consultation.
A number of recommendations are made in areas including planning, transport and grid access.
On TAN 8 (planning for renewable energy), the committee agrees ‘that there are technical aspects of TAN 8 that are now out of date’. It also recommends that ‘once the major overhaul of the planning system in Wales that is now underway is completed, the Welsh Government should consider whether it needs to amend its planning policies for all forms of renewable energy’.
Other recommendations include the establishment of a ‘Renewable Energy Delivery Board to act as a coordinating body with representatives from government, developers and managers’.
Shadow Minister for Environment, Russell George AM, said:
“I broadly welcome this report which makes it clear that the Welsh Government has much work to do in order to improve its approach towards energy and planning.
“I have long said that TAN 8 is no longer fit for purpose and the committee has agreed that swift consideration of change is needed.
“Mistakes and delays are taking their toll on the public and developers alike.
“A strategic transport management plan for mid Wales has taken far too long and the existing development plan system is not working as it should.
“Ministers must now look very carefully at the recommendations put forward in this report and make the right decisions for the future of Wales.”
Shadow Minister for Rural Affairs, Antoinette Sandbach AM, said:
“As the report demonstrates, the Welsh Government’s approach to energy has been often been haphazard.
“The First Minister also gave misleading comments about the Welsh Government’s record on energy powers.
“Welsh ministers have also shifted their position on crucial issues such as upgrading the grid infrastructure in North and Mid Wales.
“This report sets the record straight, and outlines what needs to be done to improve the planning system for energy projects, and protect local communities.”