Energy route map moves in right direction

The Energy Route Map for Wales launched this morning (February 19th) by Energy Minister Jane Davidson [1] has been welcomed by Friends of the Earth Cymru as a step in the right direction. The group says now it must be followed by determined action to ensure that the Welsh energy sector [2] cuts its emissions of climate changing gases.

The Director of Friends of the Earth Cymru, Gordon James, said:

"There is much in this document to be welcomed. We are pleased that it recognises the reality of the threat posed by climate change and the need 'to move as quickly as practicably possible to a low carbon energy economy'.

"We particularly welcome the commitment to raise the target for renewable energy, and the recognition of the key role that wind energy must play if we are to reach any targets at all.

"Wind energy is the most advanced renewable energy technology, and it can make a difference now. We estimate that if all existing proposals for on-shore and off-shore wind were to be developed, wind power could generate over a quarter of Wales' electricity demand by 2012 [3].

"The Minister deserves praise for standing up to the ill-informed complaints of the minority of people who oppose this clean form of energy. This lead from the centre needs to be supported now at local authority level.

"The aim to generate all of Wales' electricity from renewable sources is ambitious, but it is the right ambition. The Route Map indicates, though, that this can probably only be achieved by a contribution from the Severn Barrage. We believe that large tidal lagoons are far more likely to be the better option, and we urge the Welsh Assembly Government to ensure they are fairly assessed by the Westminster study [4].

"We also urge the Welsh Assembly Government to give more support to both solar power and combined heat and power systems, to reject waste incineration, and to persuade the UK Government for the devolution of powers to decide on power stations over 50MW."

Notes

1. The draft Renewable Energy Route Map for Wales was launched by the Minister for the Environment, Sustainability and Housing, Jane Davidson, at The Eco Building, Unit 1, Springvale Industrial Estate, Cwmbran, this morning.

2. Electricity generation is the single largest source of the main greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide, in Wales accounting for over 30% of the total.

3. The calculations are as follows:
   Wales electricity demand = 20 TWhrs/yr
   Onshore wind capacity = 200 MW (already built) plus 800 MW additional target by 2010. At 30% load factor this = 300 MW average annual output
   Offshore wind capacity = North Hoyle 60 MW plus Scarweather 100 MW plus Gwynt y Mor 750 MW = 900 MW in total
   35% load factor = 315 MW average annual output
   In all, 615 MW from both onshore and offshore wind farms.
   In one year, 615 MW average would generate 0.615 x 8.76 = 5.39 TWhrs/yr or 27% of current demand in Wales. This would supply 810,000 people in Wales.


4. The Secretary of State for Business announced an 'across Whitehall' Severn Tidal Power feasibility study on 22nd January. Phase 1 of the study, which will take about 8 months, is tasked to look at all tidal technologies in the Severn and other energy investments of the equivalent £ 15 billion cost of the barrage.