Micro-generation is the way ahead - Bates

Release/Rhyddhau: 04/04/06

Contact/Cyswllt: Ceirion Rees:
029 2089 8342/ 07733280105/ ceirion.rees@wales.gov.uk 

Montgomeryshire AM, Mick Bates, will today host a day of events in the National Assembly, to promote Micro-generation and energy efficiency.

Mick, who chairs the National Assembly Sustainable Energy Group (NASEG) said:

"Action through communities must be our lead weapon in the battle against climate change. Micro-generation allows communities to generate their own power, and sell any surplus back to the National Grid.

"The strategy for renewable energy in Wales is a mess.  The TAN 8 document, which was released last year, focused too much on one form of energy - large on-shore wind.  Local Authorities don't like it, developers don't like it and local communities feel their opinions are not being considered.  We need a greater focus on small-scale community projects.

"A good example of a community doing this is the London borough of Merton.  In 2003 they became the first borough in the UK to introduce a local planning policy that requires new building developments to generate 10% of their energy needs from renewable sources.  We must seek to follow a similar example in Wales. 

"Action like this demonstrates the power of local communities to combat climate change.  It allows them to make a profit while bringing down carbon emissions.  That can only be a good thing!

"The government must face up to it's responsibilities to reduce carbon emissions by introducing kick start funding to allow at least 10% of Welsh households to have micro generation in the next 5 years."