Wind energy industry in the UK welcomes the Welsh Assembly's TAN8

The BWEA congratulates the Welsh Assembly on producing its new framework for a range of renewable technologies. Technical Advice Note (TAN) 8 includes, along with a renewed emphasis on energy efficiency and conservation, a target of an additional 800 megawatts (MW) of onshore wind by 2010. This has been warmly welcomed by the wind industry, but with the caveat that an urgent and significant upgrade of grid infrastructure will be required to deliver it. TAN8 lays out a strategic approach to wind energy development in the UK, identifying 7 key areas for large-scale wind farms. This is supported by BWEA as a useful kick-start to meeting the onshore wind target; however, industry cautions that there are a number of technical constraints which would render significant parts of these areas unviable for development.

Chris Tomlinson, Head of Onshore Wind, commented: “The BWEA firmly believes that the target can be met subject to extensions [of the proposed strategic areas of development] and creation of additional strategic areas. Attention should also be paid to the many millions of pounds of investment which have already been made in projects in Wales in expectation of TAN8. We are concerned that those projects currently in development that lie outside the identified areas will be excluded.”

There are only six years remaining to the end of 2010 and the BWEA believes that projects in development, despite lying outside strategic areas, should be supported where they can make significant contributions to the target, while meeting current energy and planning policy requirements. Tomlinson concludes: “The BWEA is willing to work with the Assembly to refine the strategic approach and provide the assurances that Wales’ target can be met".