Lib Dems Energy Plan 'A Rallying Cry' For Wales - Bates

Release/Rhyddhau: 20/06/06

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

Today, Ming Campbell, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, launched the party's '5 Point Energy Plan' in advance of the Government's Energy Review Report expected in July.  

 The Plan identifies energy efficiency, microgeneration, renewable energy, Carbon Capture and Storage and Carbon Taxation as priority areas.

Commenting, Mick Bates, Am for Montgomeryshire said:

"The Lib Dem energy plan represents a rallying cry for all those in Wales committed to a genuinely sustainable, affordable and clean energy future.

"Wales can boast a huge range of renewable energy sources from offshore wind, to biomass, to tidal power. The Severn Estuary alone could meet at least 6% of the UK's electricity needs - as much as two or three Wylfa nuclear power plants. 

"We could save huge amounts of energy, money and carbon by pushing energy efficiency in all sectors. With energy prices likely to push annual household energy bills over £1,000 in Wales this winter, this must be a priority in order to combat fuel poverty as well as climate change.

"Microgeneration units could provide an increasing proportion of our energy in buildings. Combined Heat and Power (CHP) can improve energy efficiency by 20% in buildings. By 2020, 750,000 Welsh houses could have CHP installed with minimum fuss, meeting 10 - 15% of Welsh energy demand.

"However, in the medium-term, we are destined to continue to use substantial amounts of coal and gas. We must use carbon capture and storage and clean coal technology  to minimise the environmental impact of these sources.

"Carbon taxation is the vital foundation to this package. Polluters pay, while cleaner consumers and producers are rewarded. This in turn encourages more sustainable and environmentally friendly technology and practices.

"As for nuclear power, experience from the rest of the world and our own nuclear record speaks for itself. The industry's huge expenses require substantial taxpayer support. The U.S. Government has recently offered $13.7bn of public subsidies to entice private investment in new nuclear power plants.

"The nuclear industry suffers from constant overruns and the costs of decommissioning are vast currently estimated at around £90bn. Studies show that decommissioning the early Magnox stations alone, like Wylfa, will cost the taxpayer over £1500 each.

"People in Wales don't want nuclear power and we don't need it. The Lib Dems energy strategy would make Wales a champion of sustainable, affordable and clean energy and the envy of the Western world."