Wind industry welcomes Wales's commitment to onshore wind

The BWEA has welcomed the announcement from the Welsh Assembly that wind will provide the 'lion's share' of the Assembly's new renewable energy targets. The target, set out in the Assembly's Energy Strategy, is that by 2010, 4TWh, (which is likely to be about ten per cent of the electricity then generated in Wales), should come from renewable sources.

As part of a joint statement, Minister for Environment Planning and Countryside Carwyn Jones and Minister for Economic Development and Transport Andrew Davies said: "In order to meet our 2010 benchmark targets we believe a minimum of 800 megawatts of onshore wind needs to be developed in Wales." Marcus Rand, BWEA's Chief Executive commenting on the announcement, said: "This is excellent news. Wales has a fantastic onshore resource and today's announcement will provide a powerful message to the industry that onshore wind will play a key role in the Assembly's energy strategy. This announcement should pave the way for Wales becoming a showcase for wind and other renewables."