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Renewable energy 'map' launched 'Clean, green' energy plans out
(about 4 hours later)
Proposals mapping out plans for Wales to become self-sufficient in renewable energy within 20 years will be launched by the Welsh Assembly Government later. Plans for a "lean, clean and green" Wales, which is self-sufficient in renewable energy within 20 years, have been launched.
Environment Minister Jane Davidson will highlight how much clean energy Wales should produce from wind, marine and biomass sources. Environment Minister Jane Davidson said "sensitively but extensively exploited" use of wind, marine and biomass energy could make this happen.
The consultation paper is expected to say Wales would also significantly contribute to the UK's energy needs. Wales could "lead the battle" against climate change in the same way its coal powered the industrial revolution.
Environmentalists said they hoped the map would strongly support wind power. A deadline of 13 May has been set for responses from the public.
Ms Davidson will launch the so-called "route map" on renewable energy in Cwmbran later. Ms Davidson launched the so-called "route map" on renewable energy in Cwmbran.
It is believed it will suggest Wales could create far more electricity than it consumes with around half coming from marine sources, a third from wind and most of the rest from sustainable biomass. 'Lagging behind'
"Our small country is already taking steps on the road towards a low carbon energy economy," she said.
"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 our community can make a very real contribution to tackling one of the biggest problems facing the world community."
ROUTE MAP PROPOSALS Encourage wave and tidal energy with "minimum environmental distrubance"Proceed in a "measured way" to use Wales's wind resourceChange planning guidance to make it easier for people to install wind turbines, solar panels etc at homeExplore new options for river hydroelectric powerMake the most of biomass such as forests, crops or residual waste materialsEnsure all new buildings in Wales are built to the highest possible low carbon standardsDevelop a strong "green jobs" strategySource: Welsh Assembly Government Consultation document (PDF)
The document suggests Wales could create far more electricity than it consumes with around half coming from marine sources.
Another third would come from expanding wind energy and most of the rest from sustainable biomass - turning wood, crops and waste into energy.
The assembly government said the ambitious programme would demonstrate to the world what even small countries can do to maximise use of their natural renewable resources.The assembly government said the ambitious programme would demonstrate to the world what even small countries can do to maximise use of their natural renewable resources.
The energy routemap must have teeth John Woodruff, British Wind Energy Association Cymru chair
It said that along with plans for energy efficiency, skills and research and development, it would be a major step towards making Wales a low carbon energy economy.It said that along with plans for energy efficiency, skills and research and development, it would be a major step towards making Wales a low carbon energy economy.
The British Wind Energy Association (BWEA) expressed concern that Wales was "lagging behind" on its current targets. Friends of the Earth Cymru (FoE) said the aim to be self-sufficient in renewable energy was "ambitious, but it is the right ambition".
Gordon James, FoE director, said: "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."
However, the group said it supported large tidal lagoons rather than the idea of a Severn barrage.
Before the announcement, the British Wind Energy Association (BWEA) expressed concern that Wales was "lagging behind" on its current targets.
John Woodruff, BWEA Cymru chairman, said: "The energy routemap must have teeth, setting out clear targets for delivering increased wind energy.John Woodruff, BWEA Cymru chairman, said: "The energy routemap must have teeth, setting out clear targets for delivering increased wind energy.
"Wind presents great economic opportunities and the potential for Wales to become a world class centre of excellence for the development and manufacturing of low carbon technologies.""Wind presents great economic opportunities and the potential for Wales to become a world class centre of excellence for the development and manufacturing of low carbon technologies."
'Severe threat'
Friends of the Earth Cymru (FoE) said the draft proposals had to give strong support for wind energy, which it claims is the most advanced and cost-effective renewable energy technologies and could deliver immediate reductions in carbon dioxide emissions.
Gordon James, FoE director, said: "We hope that the energy route map will recognise the severity of the threat posed by climate change and strongly back solutions that can reduce carbon dioxide emissions as quickly as possible."
The group also called for the map to reject proposals for a Severn barrage, claiming the £15bn cost could be better spent generating more energy in a less time from other sources and low carbon schemes.
Morgan Parry, head of WWF Cymru, said: "Big bold decisions must be made early on in order for a report such as this to really impact positively on the bigger picture.Morgan Parry, head of WWF Cymru, said: "Big bold decisions must be made early on in order for a report such as this to really impact positively on the bigger picture.
"All credible parties agree that the quickest, cheapest and most effective route to reducing CO2 emissions is to reduce energy demand in the first place.""All credible parties agree that the quickest, cheapest and most effective route to reducing CO2 emissions is to reduce energy demand in the first place."
This would include making existing homes more energy efficient and making new buildings zero carbon, he said.This would include making existing homes more energy efficient and making new buildings zero carbon, he said.
In July 2005, the Welsh Assembly Government identified seven areas across Wales it had chosen for the development of wind farms.
Its aim was to increase the energy from renewable sources by 10% by 2010.