Welsh Liberal Democrats push for a Welsh Energy Consensus

Release/Rhyddhau: 08/05/06

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

Today Jenny Willott, MP for Cardiff Central, tabled an Early Day Motion in Parliament with her fellow Welsh Liberal Democrat MPs and several Labour MPs, calling for a new energy consensus in Wales. This consensus is based on maximising the full range of potential renewable energy sources, energy efficient technologies and microgeneration units. In the Assembly, Mick Bates, Welsh Liberal Democrat AM for Montgomeryshire has tabled a Statement of Opinion calling for Assembly Members to support a similar consensus.

The move comes as Jenny received confirmation from the Government that the life of Wylfa nuclear power plant is "highly unlikely" to be extended beyond 2010. The information came from an answer to a Parliamentary Question tabled by Jenny.

Jenny said:

"Today's move is not wishful thinking; it is essential and realistic thinking. Wales has some of the best potential sources of renewable energy production in the world and yet we have only just begun to use them. At the same time, we are looking at a future of ever-increasing oil and gas prices that are pushing more and more people in Wales into fuel poverty and damaging Welsh businesses.

Mick said:

"Wales could be a shining example to the rest of the world of how to develop a sustainable energy economy. But if the Government continues to drag its feet, then this will never be achieved and Wales will suffer the worse for it.  If we are to achieve our ambitions we need all the parties in Wales in support of this energy vision and show to the Government that there is the political will in Wales to make it a reality.

Jenny continued:

"It is now clear that the view of the Government and of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority is that extending the life of Wylfa beyond 2010 is highly unlikely. There are major safety concerns around prolonging the life of the ageing nuclear power station. Just to assess whether or not it is possible to extend the life of the plant will cost £100m. Further more, the factory that produces fuel rods for Wylfa is closing with only enough fuel to supply Wylfa until 2010.

"If a new nuclear plant was built on Anglesey, there is no way it would be ready in time to replace Wylfa. I sincerely believe that ultimately, the most affordable and sustainable way for Wales to provide the energy it needs is by using the full range of renewables, energy efficient technologies and microgeneration units. I will be writing to all Welsh MPs to ask them to support this energy consensus by signing my Early Day Motion."