Wales - 100% renewable by 2027

 Wales plan to be 100 renewable and exporting additional electricity to the rest of the UK by 2027

Official consultation document from the Wales Government

Original BBC articlelean, green' energy plans out
Plans for a "lean, clean and green" Wales, making it self-sufficient in
renewable energy within 20 years, have been launched.

Environment Minister Jane Davidson said "sensitively but extensively
exploited" use of wind, marine and biomass energy could make this
happen.

She said Wales could "lead the battle" against climate change, as its
coal powered the industrial revolution.

A deadline of 13 May for responses from the public has been set.

Ms Davidson launched the so-called "route map" on renewable energy in
Cwmbran.

'Lagging behind'

"Our small country is already taking steps on the road towards a low
carbon energy economy," she said.

"Just as we led the world in energy development during the 19th Century
when our coal powered the industrial revolution, we again have a great
opportunity to lead in the battle against climate change.

"If everyone in Wales works together on this I am confident that our
community can make a very real contribution to tackling one of the
biggest problems facing the world community."
ROUTE MAP PROPOSALS

• Encourage wave and tidal energy with "minimum environmental distrubance"

• Proceed in a "measured way" to use Wales's wind resource

• Change planning guidance to make it easier for people to install wind

turbines, solar panels etc at home

• Explore new options for river hydroelectric power

• Make the most of biomass such as forests, crops or residual waste

materials

• Ensure all new buildings in Wales are built to the highest possible low

carbon standards

• Develop a strong "green jobs" strategy

Source: Welsh Assembly Government

Consultation document (PDF)

The document suggests Wales could create far more electricity than it
consumes with around half coming from marine sources.

Another third would come from expanding wind energy and most of the rest
from sustainable biomass - turning wood, crops and waste into energy.

The assembly government said the ambitious programme would demonstrate
to the world what even small countries can do to maximise use of their
natural renewable resources.

It said that along with plans for energy efficiency, skills and research
and development, it would be a major step towards making Wales a low
carbon energy economy.

Friends of the Earth Cymru (FoE) said the aim to be self-sufficient in
renewable energy was "ambitious, but it is the right ambition".

Gordon James, FoE director, said: "We particularly welcome the
commitment to raise the target for renewable energy, and the recognition
of the key role that wind energy must play if we are to reach any
targets at all.

"Wind energy is the most advanced renewable energy technology, and it
can make a difference now."

However, the group said it supported large tidal lagoons rather than the
idea of a Severn barrage.

Ms Davidson believes the targets could still be reached, whether the
barrage goes ahead or not.

Before the announcement, the British Wind Energy Association (BWEA)
expressed concern that Wales was "lagging behind" on its current
targets.

John Woodruff, BWEA Cymru chairman, said: "The energy routemap must have
teeth, setting out clear targets for delivering increased wind energy.

"Wind presents great economic opportunities and the potential for Wales
to become a world class centre of excellence for the development and
manufacturing of low carbon technologies."

Morgan Parry, head of WWF Cymru, said: "Big bold decisions must be made
early on in order for a report such as this to really impact positively
on the bigger picture.

"All credible parties agree that the quickest, cheapest and most
effective route to reducing CO2 emissions is to reduce energy demand in
the first place."

This would include making existing homes more energy efficient and
making new buildings zero carbon, he said.