More green fuel production needed in the mix if Wales is to shake off its high carbon tag
The National Assembly for Wales’ Sustainability Committee believes the Welsh Government isn’t doing enough to realise the full potential of renewable energy in Wales.
Although the committee acknowledges that the minister is working on a Renewable Energy Routemap, members say this doesn’t go far enough in providing a picture of the energy mix that the Welsh Government wants.
Members believe this is essential if Wales is to shed its tag as the highest carbon emitter of any of the countries in the UK.
“Much of our evidence, whilst acknowledging the work already being done by the Welsh Government on renewable energy, expressed deep disappointment that the Welsh Government has not done more to realise the full potential of renewable energy in Wales,” said committee chair, Mick Bates AM, ahead of the launch
“Energy is at the heart of everything we do but traditional ways of producing energy by using fuel such as coal, gas and oil gives us the single biggest source of carbon emission.
“I believe by using new technologies for fossil fuels and the rapid expansion of renewables will mean that a low carbon energy sector does not mean us living in cold, dark houses or give up technologically advanced ways of working”
The committee also raises concerns that the road infrastructure is inhibiting the installation of renewable energy sources.
They say this is particularly prevalent in rural parts of Wales where large plant and machinery have been unable to access sites.
The main recommendations of the report are:
that the Welsh Government, as part of its energy strategy, produce a strategic framework for all energy production in Wales, indicating spatially and in terms of output the preferred energy mix.
That the Welsh Government undertakes a thorough review of the adequacy of the transport infrastructure and grid connection for the construction of both fossil fuel and renewable energy plants.
That the Welsh Government continues to encourage grid and distribution companies to work co-operatively with developers to develop an integrated approach to connection for large scale renewables.
The Welsh Government simplifies the number and nature of targets set for carbon reduction and ensures that there is consistency and explicit linkages between targets for renewable energy and carbon reduction.
The Welsh government focusus on the targets it has set by, providing incentives for research of renewable energy, issues guidance on how to reach targets and disseminates widely examples of good practice
That the Welsh Government should explore the potential for local authorities to issue loans for the installation of domestic microgeneration technology e.g. the Kirkless scheme, or repayment based on tariff revenue
Committee Members at the report launch at Techniquest, Cardiff Bay