New shared procurement strategy to help public bodies cut costs and carbon while boosting Welsh renewable energy
WELSH public sector organisations are set to gain new powers to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions following the launch of a new national energy procurement strategy known as the ‘Welsh Basket’.
The initiative has been developed by LASER Energy in partnership with the Welsh Government and is designed specifically around Wales’ own energy needs, providing a bespoke approach to energy procurement for public sector bodies across the country.
The Welsh Basket will enable authorities and public organisations to work collaboratively to procure energy more efficiently, using aggregated buying power to improve value for money while supporting the transition to low-carbon and renewable energy sources.
Key elements of the strategy include sourcing energy from Welsh renewable assets, collaborative purchasing to strengthen economies of scale, and the use of traceable power purchase agreements (PPAs) to demonstrate tangible progress towards renewable energy adoption.
Eamon Grimes, Managing Director of LASER Energy, said the energy sector had changed significantly in recent years, making flexible and locally focused solutions essential.
“The energy sector has changed dramatically, and there is greater need than ever for local, traceable and renewable energy assets to support our nations’ needs. But an off-the-shelf solution does not work.
“That’s why we worked closely with the Welsh Government Procurement Delivery Branch on this bespoke approach.”
The Welsh Basket will give Welsh public sector bodies their own dedicated procurement strategy, enabling them to combine resources through shared purchasing power. The approach is expected to lower procurement costs, increase collaboration across the region and support the Welsh public sector on its journey towards Net Zero.
A spokesperson for the Welsh Government’s Procurement Delivery Branch said the model would provide long-term value and sustainability benefits.
“We engaged with the market to explore options that support the evolving needs of Welsh public sector organisations. The Welsh Basket offers a collaborative platform for organisations to share knowledge, drive value, and progress toward shared sustainability goals.”
Beyond procurement, the scheme will also provide proactive energy management, data analysis and decarbonisation support, alongside a knowledge-sharing hub and a dedicated Welsh customer service team to support participating organisations.
The Welsh Basket was formally announced at the Wales Energy Forum held at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium and is set to commence operations in 2026.
The programme forms part of a wider national drive to modernise public sector energy use in Wales, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and strengthen the role of Welsh renewable generation in powering public services.
Further information is available via the LASER Energy website.
