Welsh Government yesterday published their ‘Green Growth Wales: Local Energy‘ document which sets out Government action – and aspiration – for the sector.
The actions come under four headings:
- Leading on local generation
- Removing barriers
- Supporting local action
- Access to finance
The vision is credible and sensible, and includes integrating energy generators within the community, education for energy users and a reduction in fuel poverty.
You won’t find all the answers here, but it’s another step.
More important are the actions, and key amongst these are:
- Urging the UK Government to set appropriate levels of support for renewables
- Encouraging appropriate spatial policies in local plans
- Promotion of marine renewables via the National Marine Plan
- Promotion of (small-scale) biomass installations
- Work on reducing the need for EIA for small-scale wind
- Extending non-domestic permitted development for solar
Speaking about the new publication, David Clubb said:
“There is much to applaud in the vision and actions of Welsh Government for local energy. Whilst we would like to see more than ‘encouragement’ for local authorities to consent renewable energy projects, we recognise that there are a wide range of factors influencing local decisions, many of which are starting to be tackled.
“Overall this is another positive step forward towards the sustainable Wales which our citizens, communities and business want to see.”