To further mark Wales Climate Change Week 2020, the Welsh Conservatives’ Shadow Minister for Climate Change, Energy and Rural Affairs – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has today (05 November) called for clarity around the Welsh Government’s approach to hydropower. 

In a Written Question to the Minister, Mrs Finch-Saunders asked: 

What steps will the Minister take to boost hydropower in Wales in response to the fact that only five hydropower projects were commissioned in 2019? 

The Energy Generation in Wales report found that there were only five new projects commissioned in 2019. This was a decrease on the six projects that were commissioned in 2018. The report found that these new projects increased the total hydropower capacity by less than 0.2% between 2018 and 2019. 

Commenting, Janet said:  

“I am greatly concerned by this report which found that the number of hydroprojects commissioned in 2019 had decreased from the year before. Once again, the dithering of the Welsh Labour-led Government is stalling our nation’s efforts to confront global climate change.  

“It should be a concern to us all that progress in this area has stalled, especially when one considers that hydropower is a mature and proven technology that can provide a predictable source of energy. It is also a domestic source of energy, meaning that Wales can continue to be a net exporter of electricity.  

“These schemes are often very efficient, with some hydropower facilities having the ability to quickly go from zero power to maximum output. Because hydropower plants can generate power to the grid immediately, they also provide essential back-up power which can further assist the grid network. 

“With over 600 watercourses guiding water across Wales, much progress can be achieved through encouraging investment in micro, pico, and small-scale hydro schemes. The Welsh Government should look to introduce a hydropower development programme which helps landowners to invest in such projects. 

"The public must be assured of tangible actions to combat Climate Change, rather than receiving only warm words which often ring hollow.” 

ENDS 

Notes for Editors:  

• Please find a copy of the Energy Generation in Wales report, by clicking here. 

Photo: Andrew Buchanan/UnSplash