The Environment and Sustainability Committee of the National Assembly has today published a report which calls for a target date for meeting all energy needs from renewable energy in Wales, closely matching the request of RenewableUK Cymru in our manifesto for the election.
The Committee, chaired by Alun Ffred Jones (Plaid), makes a number of other recommendations, including:
- Establishing a clear vision for future energy policy
- Setting annual energy reduction targets
- An urgent revision of Building Regulations to ensure that all new homes are ‘zero energy’
- Improve the value of energy efficient homes by linking taxes to energy performance
- Set up a not-for-profit energy service company
- Urge UK Government to enable Ofgem to allow local users and suppliers priority use of grid
- Amend planning policy to prioritise local and community energy projects
A smarter energy future could be achieved following some of the enclosed recommendations
David Clubb, Director of RenewableUK Cymru, commented:
“The Committee has taken from a wide range of stakeholders, and from both within and far beyond Wales’ borders, in order to produce a highly authoritative and well-informed report.
“I am delighted that the recommendations cover all aspects of energy, including building regulations, energy efficiency and energy generations. I have previously called for the implementation of similar policies, and it is encouraging to see cross-party support for a far more strategic approach to the topic in Wales.
“I wholeheartedly endorse the Committee’s recommendations, and look forward to working closely with the new administration to help implement them as soon as possible after the May election”
A video describing the benefit to community energy has been produced (see below).