WIREDGOV

The Route Map sets out an ambitious programme aimed at transforming the way Wales produces and uses energy as part of the Welsh Assembly Government’s commitment to tackling climate change.

It demonstrates to the world what countries, even small ones, can be doing to maximise the use of their natural renewable resources.

Calling on the people, communities and companies of Wales to take part in the consultation on the Route Map, Ms Davidson said:

We need you to join us – to contribute to the debate which will help shape not only our future, but our children’s future and their children’s future.

Our small country is already taking steps on the road towards a low carbon energy economy. 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 we can make a very real contribution to tackling one of the biggest problems facing the world community.

Among the many proposals addressed by the Route Map are:

• Encouraging innovation to capture the tremendous power of the seas of Wales, from both waves an tides, with minimum environmental disturbance.
• Proceeding in a measured way to utilise Wales energetic wind resource.
• Changes to planning guidance to make it easier for people to install wind turbines, solar panels and other micro-generation technology to power and heat their homes.
• Exploring to the full new opportunities in Wales for in river hydroelectric power generation.
• Ensuring we make the most of our sustainable biomass resources, whether from our forests, crops or residual waste materials.
• Exploring the scope for developing innovative energy supply companies in Wales that could help us all invest in energy saving and micro-generation.
• Ensuring all new buildings in Wales are built to the highest possible low carbon standards, with the public sector showing the way in what can be achieved.
• Developing a strong ‘green jobs’ strategy to ensure we have the skills base to be a leader in renewable energy.

Ms Davidson added:

Wales is fortunate to have considerable natural renewable energy resources, which if sensitively but extensively exploited could make Wales self sufficient in renewable electricity within 20 years - with half of this from marine, a third from wind and the rest from biomass and micro-generation.

Wales is already the UK’s centre of electric solar cell manufacturing and we are determined to build on this and other strengths, to seize the economic, research and skill development opportunities which minimising climate change can bring.

Part of what makes Wales a great place to live, work and play is its natural attractions – from mountains to coast and into the sea. My aim is to use these resources sympathetically so they not only provide great economic benefits but can also contribute to our energy production.

The Route Map proclaims on its front cover that it wants to develop a Wales that is lean, clean and green.

With the images of the end of one era – the closure of the last deep mine in Wales at Tower Colliery – still fresh in our memories we must now look to the future. We have considerable renewable energy resources – wind, water, and biomass. This is our future and in generations to come it will be the heritage we leave for our children.

The programme set out in the Route Map means that Wales will play a key part in the UK’s national renewables action plan which will be required under the new EU Directive on the promotion and use of renewable energy sources.

Peter Davies, Chair of the Sustainable Development Commission Wales, said:

The Renewable Energy Route Map is an exciting, forward thinking plan for utilising our strong renewable resources in the fight against climate change. Self sufficiency in renewable electricity within 20 years is an exciting prospect which can be achieved alongside a determined effort to reduce energy consumption.

The Welsh Assembly Government has set a commendable vision, which could create jobs, opportunities and enhance our reputation as a forward looking country. Communities, people and businesses can now make informed decisions on the future of energy in Wales. Now is the time to respond and have your say as the vision will only be achieved with support and active engagement from all sectors.