Wales denied powers over large scale energy projects – Mick Bates AM

Shadow Minister for the Environment and Sustainability, Mick Bates AM, has criticised the UK Government for failing to trust Wales with the power to decide on energy infrastructure projects over 50MW, instead transferring power to the unelected Infrastructure Planning Commission.

The Welsh Assembly Government has the final say on planning for any energy project of less than 50 MW. Welsh Ministers have argued for the devolution of this power and there have been discussions on the matter between the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, the Wales Office and the Welsh Assembly Government with a view to devolving this responsibility. Last year the UK Government introduced a new planning regime which transfers decision making for energy projects over 50MW to the Infrastructure Planning Commission.

Commenting after questioning the First Minister in the chamber, Welsh Liberal Democrat Mick Bates AM stated:

“In Wales we have vast potential to generate our own renewable energy and yet we have one of the worst carbon footprints in the world. If we are to make progress to reduce our carbon footprint, Wales must have the right to set its own priorities and the power to decide our own direction for generating electricity and cutting emissions.

“Large scale renewable energy projects will play a key role in reducing carbon emissions and help to reduce our dependence on the use of fossil fuels. The Welsh Liberal Democrats have long argued that Wales should have the final say over energy projects above 50MW, which would enable decisions over large energy developments to be made at a more local level.

“Yesterday the Labour Government in Westminster admitted to my colleague Mark Williams MP that these discussions have been abandoned and this power will remain with the new Infrastructure Planning Commission.

“It is clear that the Labour UK Government feels Wales cannot be trusted when it comes to energy projects of national significance and would prefer to open the door for major nuclear or renewable projects in Wales without any elected body having a say.”