Renewable Energy Route Map for Wales

Consultation on way forward to a leaner, greener and cleaner Wales

Jane Davison, Minister for Environment, Sustainability & Housing in the
Welsh Assembly Government has released a ground breaking document that provides a clear strategy for the development of Wales as a leading nation in the fight against climate change.

Ms Davison proposed target for Wales to be self sufficient in energy by 2025 relying primarily on renewable energy such as wind, solar and hydro power, with the prospect of being able to export energy.

Environment Minister Ms Jane Davidson:"Our small country is already taking steps on the road towards a low carbon energy economy," she said.

"Just as we led the world in energy development during the 19th Century when our coal powered the industrial revolution, we again have a great opportunity to lead in the battle against climate change.

"If everyone in Wales works together on this I am confident that our community can make a very real contribution to tackling one of the biggest problems facing the world community."

Projects would include increased use of wind power, the consumption of biomass as an alternative fuel. The proposed Severn Barrage could be a key element of the strategy though not key to its success.

A refreshing element of the plan was the emphasis on supporting the domestic and small commercial micro generator:

From the report:

"We will: issue planning guidance to make micro generation easier to install; in particular for:"

• Roof mounted solar heat and solar (photo-voltaic) electric panels .
• Ground, water and air source powered heat pumps
• Building mounted micro-wind electricity turbines or stand alone small wind turbines
• Biomass electricity or heat

And

• encourage utilities to pay a fair price for the ‘export’ of locally produced electricity on to the grid.
• examine skills needs with the Sector Skills Councils, to ensure an effective micro-generation equipment supply and fitting sector.
• increasingly build micro-generation into our locally funded programmes, as part of our commitment to zero carbon buildings.
• under our green jobs strategy, building on Wales already substantial solar photovoltaic industry to be an effective champion for this highly promising technology.

Morgan Parry from WWF supported the plan though emphasised the need to reduce energy demand.

True Energy is one of the leading renewable energy companies based in Wales. With an international reputation and a growing presence in the UK providing consultancy and services in field of alternative energy.