Massive failure on green energy in Wales

21 November 2011

Less electricity was generated from renewables in Wales in 2010 than in 2008, according to figures from the UK Government [1]. While green power in Wales was going backwards, the rest of the UK ramped up renewable generation by more than 20 per cent.

This means the Welsh Government's 2010 target for renewable energy has been missed by a massive margin. The amount generated in Wales in 2010 was 1.6TWh, just 40 per cent of the 4TWh target.

Gareth Clubb, Director of Friends of the Earth Cymru, said:

"We're constantly told that Wales is ahead of the game in sustainability. But the Welsh Government's flagship target on renewable energy has been missed by such a huge margin it's embarrassing.

"While green energy generation has steadily grown around the world, in Wales we're going backwards. Every other country in the UK has moved ahead - Scotland now produces nearly six times more renewable energy than Wales [2].

"Welsh Ministers need to wake up to the fact that renewables like solar, wind and tidal power mean jobs. Wales has tremendous potential to deliver green, clean energy, and to benefit from the thousands of jobs it will bring.

"Clearly something has gone badly wrong in Wales if progress everywhere else in the UK is on track. If this failure is a result of Westminster dragging its heels over desperately needed renewable energy infrastructure, then the Welsh Government needs to start shaking things up."

Speaking about Carwyn Jones' request to devolve powers on energy projects up to 100MW [3], Gareth said:

"Carwyn wouldn't be able to negotiate a pay rise in a merchant bank. Clearly if you want powers devolved you don't start as low as 100MW - unless you're either a hopeless negotiator or you don't actually want those powers devolved. If the Welsh Government doesn't want devolution of large scale energy infrastructure then they need to explain how they're going to meet their renewable energy targets."

NOTES

1. In 2010 Wales generated 1,621.1GWh of renewable energy and in 2008 generated 1,626.9GWh.     
   (2010 figures and 2008 figures from the Department of Energy and Climate Change)
2. In 2010 Scotland generated 9,515.3GWh of renewable energy.
3. The Programme for Government states "[We will] continue to press the UK Government for responsibility for energy consents up to 100MW on both sea and land and for the Renewables Obligation to support delivery of our low carbon energy agenda".

For further information, please contact Friends of the Earth Cymru on 029 2022 9577