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Onshore wind must have key role in Wales

Monday 15 March 2010

  • RenewableUK welcomes Welsh Assembly Government's renewable energy ambitions
  • Significant changes to planning law and grid connectivity needed if Welsh Assembly Government is to meet its announced targets
  • Onshore wind, the most mature and cost-effective renewables technology, needs to be given key role if targets for energy generation and jobs are to be met
  • RenewableUK to present evidence on Energy Policy Statement to Welsh and UK Energy Ministers on Wednesday 17th March

RenewableUK, the UK's leading renewable energy trade association, today welcomed the launch of the Welsh Assembly Government's Energy Policy Statement and the ambitious plan to make Wales energy self-sufficient within a generation. However, without changes to planning law and redevelopment of the grid, along with granting a key role to onshore wind as the most tried, tested and cost-effective method of generating renewable power, the 2030 target is unlikely to be met.

RenewableUK Cymru suggests that the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) should introduce a number of enabling measures in order to realise their plans:

  • The planning system needs to be overhauled to see a dramatic increase in the rate of local approvals for wind energy developments and a decrease in planning application waiting times. All too often there are long delays in deciding individual energy projects, with politicians sometimes contradicting their own national renewable energy policies at a local level. RenewableUK believes that the WAG should assume the powers of determination if local authorities fail to justify prolonged delays. Local targets for renewable energy projects should also be enforced with sanctions imposed for underachievement.
  • RenewableUK also suggests a series of 5-yearly intermediate targets leading up to 2030, in order to guarantee timely delivery.
  • The redevelopment of the Welsh part of the National Grid needs to take into account the locations of renewable energy schemes, and not simply replace grid where it is currently located. The Welsh Assembly Government needs to use its influence to ensure that renewable energy schemes already in the planning system are prioritised for grid connectivity.

Commenting on the Statement, Llywelyn Rhys, Head of RenewableUK Cymru, said:

"RenewableUK would like to welcome the Welsh Assembly Government's renewable energy plans announced today. The ambitions of these proposals cannot be questioned. However, what needs to be addressed is the ability for targets to be met without having onshore wind play a key role. For the Welsh Assembly Government's plans to be achieved, they must clear planning logjams holding back onshore wind farms and ensure that the redevelopment of the National Grid in Wales prioritises renewable energy technologies that are cost effective and straightforward to develop."

-ENDS-

For further information in English and Welsh please contact BWEA Cymru's Cardiff office:


NOTES

  1. RenewableUK, formerly BWEA, is the trade and professional body for the UK wind and marine renewables industries. Formed in 1978, and with 565 corporate members, RenewableUK is the leading renewable energy trade association in the UK.
  2. The Statement and associated documents can be accessed via the following link: http://www.wales.gov.uk/environment.
  3. Charles Anglin, RenewableUK Director of Communications is presenting evidence on the Energy Policy Statement on Wednesday at the WAG in Cardiff. RenewableUK is one of the 5 stakeholders asked to take part.