Last night, Janet Finch-Saunders, Assembly Member for Aberconwy, used her short debate to trigger a cascade of conversation as to how the Welsh Government must do more to help landowners harness rain water through incentivising investment in hydropower schemes.
Following the debate Janet said:
“Wales as a whole, from Cardiff Bay to Capel Curig, is arguably the wettest part of the UK. Indeed, Snowdonia sees the highest annual rainfall in Wales, whilst Cardiff is the wettest city in Britain.
“With such an abundance of rain, and over 600 rivers guiding the water across Wales, I have been unsurprised to find that much progress can be achieved through encouraging investment in micro, pico, and small-scale hydro schemes.
“For example, a report found that Wales has a potential viable hydropower capacity of between 26,730kw and 63,000kw.
“Whilst the Welsh Government claims to offer grants, loans, and advise so that hydro schemes can be developed, the reality is very different. For example, I know that farmers have been relying on bank loans to fund 100% of small hydro schemes, whilst others, such as Natural Resources Wales are contributing to the financial whirlpool by demanding extortionate amount of licences.
“As one person put to me, the cost of the schemes are just prohibitive.
“This is quite a disaster as Wales is still a long way off reaching the target of generating 70% of its electricity consumption from renewable energy by 2030.
“I was therefore very pleased to use my short debate to explain how the support offered for hydro schemes can be reformed, such as through introducing a hydropower development programme that provides a 50% grant towards the total build cost of future hydropower schemes, and inviting landowners to register an interest, and in return, where reasonable, receive a free feasibility study before investing any money in pursuing design, planning, or licences.
“With the right incentives the Welsh Government could actually turn the tide on the slow growth in Welsh hydro, and make rain pay in Wales for our environment and riparian landowners”.
ENDS
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