UK - Welsh Political Parties neglect clean energy

The political establishment in Wales has been accused of neglecting and undervaluing a major energy sector that invests millions of pounds each year to the Welsh economy. BWEA, representing wind, wave and tidal energy technologies, claims that Welsh political parties are failing to give due recognition to the economic contribution of the renewable energy sector worth millions of pounds each year in managing and developing projects in Wales.

Matt Partridge, Chair of the BWEA Wales Steering Group commented:

“The political parties all seek the creation of a vibrant, green, high-growth, and high-tech economy for Wales. The wind energy industry ticks all of these boxes yet all the political parties are guilty of both under-valuing its contribution and failing to adequately support the industry to allow even greater benefits for Wales.

“Supporting green renewable energy industries in principle but ignoring the most developed and viable of these technologies - wind - is contradictory and not in Wales’ best economic and environmental interests.”

“I call on all the politicians hoping to secure a seat in the Assembly to recognise the current and continuing importance of the wind energy sector to the Welsh economy and announce their unequivocal support to the sector during the current election campaign.”

Mr Partridge also believes that “Future investment by the renewable energy sector in Wales will be at risk if leadership and confidence is not shown by political leaders.”

Llywelyn Rhys, Wales Officer for the BWEA said:

“A straw poll amongst BWEA’s Wales members demonstrated that many millions of pounds are being spent by the Welsh wind energy sector each year, with much of this money going to Welsh landowners, community groups, consultants and equipment suppliers. The financial benefits arise in addition to the environmental benefits from generating clean, carbon-free electricity that contributes to stated Welsh Assembly Government targets.”

In the light of its initial findings, BWEA has decided to undertake a survey of the sector to gain a better understanding of the true value of the industry and the role it plays in creating a strong vibrant Welsh economy. The findings of the report will be published at the inaugural BWEA Wales Conference due to be held in Cardiff on 3rd July.