CPRW has made the following response to the Welsh Government report on energy networks in Wales.

CPRW, The Welsh Countryside Charity, has responded to a recent Welsh Government report on how future Welsh energy will be planned, developed and operated in order to reach its goal of Net Zero by 2050.

‘Future Energy Grids for Wales’ report identifies the need to overhaul the current energy infrastructure and networks,  address the future electricity consumption and transition to renewable energy throughout communities and industries across Wales.

Ross Evans, Public Affairs and Community Manager, CPRW said:

“We welcome this new report, and are pleased that Welsh Government have listened to CPRW and others by exploring all sustainable energy options including offshore wind.

“The recommendations within the report explicitly highlight the benefits of offshore wind, which they project will to provide 80% of Wales’ electricity by 2050. We now have acknowledgment that it supports our long-held view that offshore wind is not only the most cost-effective but also the most environmentally acceptable option amongst a range of technologies such as onshore wind, solar, tidal and hydrogen and nuclear.

“We are also heartened at the corresponding forecasted reduction in onshore wind between 2030 and 2035 and hope the Welsh Government will now reconsider all planned onshore wind projects as indicated in our petition.

‘We would also urge the government to reassess the reasoning for the proposed onshore transmission cable from north to south Wales, which would scar some of the country’s finest landscapes with huge pylons. Instead, we ask it to revisit the original idea for a High Voltage DC (HVDC) marine Cable that offers a cheaper and more convenient option with the same low carbon generation and help make the most of the immense offshore wind reserve in the Irish and Celtic seas.

“The report makes it very clear that there is a huge need for community engagement at the earliest stages of planning, to involve people in the decision-making so that it supports the national ambition and local permission.”

“We hope as organisation we can play an integral role in contributing the voice of rural areas and work together with other stakeholders, local authorities and developers to ensure the best outcome for our countryside and way of life’ say Evans

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Notes to editors:

The Future Energy Grids for Wales report can be found here: https://www.gov.wales/future-energy-grids-wales-reports

Our petition story can be found here: https://cprw.org.uk/cprw-petition-seeks-to-save-the-countryside/

Story can be found here: https://cprw.org.uk/dns-map-launched-at-rwas/