Wales could see more wind farms built in the country as the British Government looks to capitalise on its natural wind supply and supply the nation with renewable energy.
A number of proposed construction sites have already met opposition from local people, and campaigners have taken their complaints to the Senedd. Decisions on large projects rest with the UK Government, but campaigners wanted to remind assembly members of their stance.
In 2005 seven areas were put forward as possible locations for wind turbines, known as Tan 8. But amid the possibility of further development Welsh ministers are being called to look again at where wind farms can be built.
UK Energy Minister Charles Hendry said: “The reason why this is a national decision is that yes, the local views are important and that’s an absolute statutory part of the process, but at the end of the day we are making decisions on a national interest.
“Sometimes we do have to have the investment in the infrastructure. We can’t have invisible electricity – we have to have physical plant. We have to have grid connections to get it where it needs to be.”
One campaigner to the wind farms says assembly members need to connect with the public and so far they’ve failed to do that. The protesters have brought forward their views that the plans are totally unacceptable where they live.
Meanwhile, First Minister Carwyn Jones, says he wants renewable energy to maximise electricity generation across Wales, whether on land or offshore.
Renewable energy is a clean, environmentally friendly source of power. It replaces fossil fuels such as oil, gas and coal in a bid to rid the world of the carbon emissions that cause global warming. It’s not just on large sites that renewable energy can be used, and it has a place domestically too.
Solar panels, heat pumps, wind turbines and biomass boilers can all be fitted into properties and will instantly start generating you free electricity. This will reduce your bills and your carbon output.