Welsh renewables 'key to UK target:' energy minister

London (Platts)--27Feb2006

With up to 76 onshore windfarms in the planning, Wales has the potential
to meet up to 18% of its power demand from renewables and will play a vital
role in achieving the UK target of 10% electricity from renewables by 2010,
Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks said Monday.
     Speaking in Cardiff at the latest in a series of Energy Review
consultation meetings, the Energy Minister said: "Wind energy is just one of a
number of measures that I am keen to see developed to help reduce harmful
emissions into our atmosphere. This includes other low carbon technologies,
such as wave and tidal power, carbon sequestration and greater energy
efficiency.
     "Wales faces the same problems as the rest of the country. The need to
reduce carbon dioxide emissions, tackle declining domestic energy supplies
against increasing world demand and secure a diverse energy mix for the
future."
     The UK's Energy Review seeks to answer some of those problems, Wicks
added, but that needs input from all of us. Renewables is one aspect, but
there is no single solution. "One thing is clear. Doing nothing is not an
option. There are some tough decisions ahead, some big challenges, but no one
solution. How the people and businesses of Wales see their energy future is a
vital part of that solution," the minister said.
     Current renewable generation in Wales meets around 3.6% of all
electricity consumed producing around 450GWh.
     Prime Minister Tony Blair has asked Wicks to lead a review of long-term
energy policy. He was visiting Cardiff as part of a three-month public
consultation period about how the country should meet its energy challenges.
The review is seeking views on some key issues including: What more could the
government do on the demand or supply side to meet our CO2 reduction targets
in the medium and long term; How do we develop our market framework for
delivering reliable energy supplies; Are there particular considerations that
should apply to nuclear; Are there particular considerations that should apply
to carbon abatement and other low carbon technologies; What are the steps to
take towards ensuring that every home is adequately and affordably heated.
     The average Welsh resident consumes around 64kWh less energy than the
average UK resident, but Wales' CO2 emmissions are slightly higher than those
of the rest of the UK, the DTI said.

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