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DECISION MAKING

Renewable energy

2004 Annual electrical output   approx. 1.88 TWh
2010   target   4 TWh
2020   target   7 TWh
There is still a considerable gap to reach the target


CABINET WRITTEN STATEMENT
TITLE: Renewable Energy

DATE: 13 July 2004

BY:   Andrew Davies, Minister for Economic Development & Transport and Carwyn Jones, Minister for Environment, Planning & Countryside

Onshore wind is currently the only commercial renewable energy technology within the market place.  

Offshore wind is an emerging technology and cannot compete commercially with onshore wind at present without grant support.

All substantial hydroelectric power in Wales has already been developed and there remains little scope for further development.  

Using Biomass to produce electricity at competitive prices remains a challenge.

Wave and Tidal Technologies are still developing technologies and are a long way from being commercial.

Photovoltaics are interesting only at the small scale in their use for buildings. However they have considerable long term potential.


Our conclusion is that onshore wind is the best renewable to meet the 2010 target . Other technologies will make a limited contribution that will be largely dependent on the availability of grant money to support them.












Try This!
This statement was written by Welsh Ministers.

It gives their view on the relative importance of different types of renewable energy to be developed in the future.

Which type(s) of renewable energy resource(s) do you think should be developed in Wales in the future? Do you agree with the Ministers or not? Explain your decision.

Some people consider that there will never be enough power from renewable energy and suggest nuclear power is the best way forward. Research the web to gather facts, arguments and opinions on nuclear power. Do you think we should increase the amount of nuclear power? Why?
            Related Sections:
What are windfarms? Offshore windfarms Other marine energy Hydroelectric power Other sources of renewable energy Location of renewable energy Getting involved