Wind farm campaign success!

1 September 2004

The scheme had been provisionally approved by a Welsh Assembly planning decision committee before the summer break. Ten Assembly Members had then tried to force another debate, but were defeated in the vote by 36 to 16. The wind farm scheme will now go ahead without delay and will help Wales to meet its renewable energy targets.

Across Wales, renewable energy schemes can replace conventional power generation including nuclear. Switching to safe and secure renewable energy and using energy efficiently are the best ways to avert a global climate catastrophe which is being caused mainly by the burning of oil, coal and gas.

Avoiding nuclear power is also important because of the costly problems of storing radioactive waste, the increased threats of nuclear terrorism and the potential for major accidents.

Friends of the Earth Cymru estimates that by 2010, 30% of electricity demand in Wales could be supplied by renewable energy developments including solar, tidal, biomass and wind power.

The Scarweather Sands wind farm will bring both energy benefits and economic ones to the Swansea Bay area. Another offshore wind farm in Cornwall has found success as a tourist attraction, bringing in significant numbers of visitors. Swansea Bay could benefit in the same way.

Friends of the Earth Cymru would like to thank all their supporters for their hard work in helping with the campaign to make the Scarweather Sands offshore wind farm happen. We would not have been successful without you.

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