Renewable energy target welcomed

Friends of the Earth Cymru have given a warm welcome to the renewable electricity target favourably discussed by the Assembly Economic Development Committee this morning. The campaigners say that a target of four terra-watt hours per year to be generated from renewable sources, such as wind, biomass
and tides, by 2010 would give a much needed boost to economic and environmental performance in Wales.

A 4 TWhr/year 2010 target would be equivalent to about 20% of current electricity demand in Wales. Furthermore, if complimented by concerted energy efficiency measures the proportional output could be even higher again, thus reducing dangerous greenhouse gas emissions from Wales even more.

The campaigners point out that it would be a minimum target and that significantly more could be delivered especially if the marine renewable technologies, such as offshore wind, marine current turbines and tidal lagoons progress well. FOE Cymru has proposed a framework to deliver 6 TWhrs/year by 2010 as potentially feasible and affordable and to stimulate such technologies to progress in Wales.

Neil Crumpton, Friends of the Earth Cymru energy spokesperson, said:

'' We would welcome a minimum four terra-watt hours per year renewable electricity target discussed by the Assembly's Economic Development Committee. It would be good news for both the environment and the Welsh economy. The target would equate to a minimum of about 20% of current Welsh electrical demand to be generated from renewable sources by 2010. Concerted energy efficiency measures and schemes over the next eight years could increase this percentage further.

It is vital that any target is linked to a planning and fiscal support framework (1). This would stimulate innovation and boost investor and developer confidence. The result would then be Welsh expertise and manufacturing capability in the fast growing global renewables market.''

Notes

1) FOE Cymru proposed a framework to deliver 6 TWhrs/year by 2010 as feasible and affordable - see Friends of the Earth Cymru renewables Consultation response