The Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Climate Change, Energy and Rural Affairs and the Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has today (20 November) urged the Welsh Government to set out a clear action plan for supporting large-scale battery storage schemes in North Wales.
In reply to the Shadow Minister’s Written Question on creating opportunities for large-scale battery storage schemes in North Wales, the Welsh Minister for Economy replied:
“The combination of North Wales’ renewable energy pedigree together with its strong reputation for value added manufacturing means the region is well placed in supporting the attraction of industries that are at the forefront of battery technologies. We continue to push the merits of the location to BEIS and DIT as well as to other critical stakeholders in this evolving marketplace.”
Commenting, Janet said:
“Whilst I welcome the news that the Welsh Government Energy Service is exploring new business models for batteries and renewables, more detail must be provided to the Welsh Parliament so that Members can ensure that all steps are being taken to endorse the North Wales region, promoting its strong reputation for renewables and manufacturing.
“The Welsh Labour-led Government has consistently failed to take the matter of climate change seriously, with an un-costed and vague plan to combat the issue. The administration’s most recent Energy Generation in Wales report revealed that moves to implement renewable energy have stalled, negatively impacting any planned green Coronavirus recovery.
“Electricity storage in the Wales has the potential to improve energy security and increase the use of low carbon electricity. As a study by Imperial College and the Carbon Trust showed that electricity storage could save the UK up to £2.4 billion a year by 2030, I urge the Welsh Government to set out a clear, cross-departmental action plan for how large-scale storage systems will be brought to North Wales.
“Warm platitudes about the technology and region is not enough. To support the creation of long-term green jobs across North Wales, residents must be reassured through actions.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
- WQ81487 Janet Finch-Saunders MS: What steps is the Minister taking to enable the creation of large-scale battery storage in North Wales?
- Ken Skates MS: The combination of North Wales’ renewable energy pedigree together with its strong reputation for value added manufacturing means the region is well placed in supporting the attraction of industries that are at the forefront of battery technologies. We continue to push the merits of the location to BEIS and DIT as well as to other critical stakeholders in this evolving marketplace. Officials have dealt with enquiries from potential investors in large scale battery manufacturing facilities and sought to identify suitable sites to accommodate them in the region. Large scale battery storage installations are increasingly being considered to support local and national grid transmission networks, especially in accommodating increasing levels of renewable energy onto the system. Where renewable energy generators or grid operators identify need for such installations, my officials would be happy to discuss specific requirements.
- For details on the 2016 Imperial College and the Carbon Trust study, please click here.
Photo: Thomas Kelley on Unsplash
