Wales sets sights on low-carbon future

First minister of Wales Carwyn Jones has outlined plans to deliver a “wealthy future” for the country through an ambitious plan to create a low-carbon economy.

Detailing the strategies as part of the Energy Wales: A Low-Carbon Transition report, Jones said that giving the renewables industry a push would also create jobs and ensure economic growth.

The Welsh Government report highlights the importance of marine energy generation and urges businesses and individuals to capitalise on energy developments.

“Energy is a defining issue for our generation and an issue on which, as a government, I am determined that Wales will lead”, said Jones.

“There is no escaping the challenges of climate change and energy security.

“However, these challenges are also a golden opportunity for Wales to lead the way in creating a low carbon economy and lay the foundations for a better future and maximise the long term benefits to Wales at every stage along the way.”

The Welsh renewables industry has praised its Government’s ambition, too.

Gerry Jewson, chairman and CEO of one of the country’s leading wind power developers, West Coast Energy, said, “We feel confident that the Government has listened to the representations of all stakeholders in Wales’ renewable future and has a real understanding of the issues.

“The joined up thinking we are now seeing between departments is welcome and should now enable Cardiff to deliver action, not just aspiration.”

Wales’ encouraging insistence on pushing the renewable energy industry forward mirrors the positive work being done in Scotland, which is trialling a massive two-bladed turbine near Fife and looking for ways to connect its ever-growing clean energy supply to the grid.

The importance of such initiatives cannot be overlooked. It is imperative that countries more reliant on fossil fuels take stock of the advancements made in Wales and Scotland.

Wales Online reported in September that the country had cut its carbon emissions by 15% in five years. This drop must continue if the world is collectively going to realise a low-carbon future.

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You can also switch your home’s power to Good Energy, the UK’s only 100% renewable electricity supplier.

Photo: National Assembly for Wales via Flickr

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