UK - Welsh election must support wind energy

With the campaigning for the National Assembly elections drawing to a close, the Welsh political parties have been accused of failing to support wind energy despite it being a cornerstone in Wales’ effort to tackle climate change.

BWEA is deeply disappointed that the political establishment in Wales has failed to give climate change and the role of renewables the urgent attention they demand during a crucial phase of policy making. This is despite the moral and legal obligation that will be placed on the next Assembly Government to rise to the challenge of reducing carbon emissions.

Llywelyn Rhys, Wales Officer for BWEA, claims that the political parties were being unduly influenced by small but vocal anti-wind farm campaign groups, as evidenced in Wales Decides last night on ITV.

Mr Rhys said:

“When being lobbied by vociferous and scaremongering anti-wind groups, prospective Assembly members should keep in mind that a significant majority of the Welsh public are in favour of both on and offshore wind farms. Many anti-wind objectors appear motivated by the old myths and exaggerations that are trotted out year after year despite all evidence to the contrary.”

“Assembly candidates should not let such misleading anti-wind campaigns ride roughshod over Wales’ well-established TAN 8 renewables policy.”

Politicians are failing to recognise the public anxiety towards climate change and the overwhelming support in Wales shown towards wind energy as a practical means in tackling the phenomenon. A recent survey found that only 5% of respondents with wind farms in their local area expressed negative feedback towards having a wind turbine near their homes.

Mr Rhys continued:

“Although glossy manifestos by the political parties identify climate change as an issue, they say very little concerning the most practical means available to reduce carbon emissions.

“One readily available renewable source that can deliver clean energy is wind power. The industry is already well established in Wales and wind technology is currently the most feasible, viable and efficient renewable option in the short to medium term. It is vital that we make the most of it.”

BWEA hopes that following the election the new administration at Cardiff Bay will confront the challenges presented by climate change, and BWEA looks forward to working with them in achieving the 10% target for renewable energy set for 2010.