2 August 2011
How does UK energy policy affect Wales? Committee launches inquiry
A National Assembly for Wales committee is looking for people’s opinions of energy policy and planning in Wales as part of a new inquiry.
The Environment and Sustainability Committee will examine how the UK Government’s policies regarding energy production affect the Welsh Government’s own plans.
The Committee will also consider the implications for Wales if responsibility for consenting major onshore and offshore energy infrastructure projects remains with the UK Government.
Under current legislation, final decisions regarding installations that produce more than 50 megawatts of power are made in London.
Also to be considered are the potential impacts of consenting decisions concerning major infrastructure projects and associated development if they’re not taken in accordance with Welsh planning policy.
The Committee would also like to hear about how new forms of energy generation in Wales could contribute to meeting the Welsh Government’s annual targets for greenhouse gas emission reduction.
Committee Chair, Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas AM, said: “The Welsh Government has ambitious plans for the development of renewable and low carbon energy in Wales, but much responsibility for energy planning and policy lies with the UK Government.
“As a Committee, we want to hear about any potential for conflicts between the planning and consenting regimes in the UK and Wales.
“We have already seen opposition and opinions concerning proposals for windfarms and electricity pylons for mid-Wales and these will be taken on board by the Committee.
“But this inquiry will look at all aspects of energy policy and planning and we would welcome opinions and evidence from anyone with an interest in this area.”
As part of its inquiry the Committee will be taking into account two petitions referred to it by the Petitions Committee. One is about the transportation of wind turbines in mid Wales. Another objects to the Welsh Government’s Technical Advice Note 8 (TAN 8), which concerns planning for renewable energy.
Anyone wishing to submit evidence to the Environment and Sustainability Committee can email E&S.comm@wales.gov.uk or write to: Clerk of the Committee, Environment and Sustainability Committee, National Assembly for Wales, Cardiff, CF99 1NA.
The two petitions referred to the Committee are:
P-03-273 Transportation of wind turbines in mid Wales.
P-04-324 Say Not to TAN 8 – Windfarms and High Voltage.