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Evidence to the House of Lords Committee's Enquiry by CPRW

4 Summary

The first question goes to the heart of the problem we have recognised: 

Q 1(a) How realistic is the Commission's target of 12% of primary energy from renewables in the EU by 2010? 

Q 1(b) How realistic is a 5% target of electricity from renewables in the EU by 2005? 

Q 1(c) How likely are Member States, particularly the UK, to achieve these targets?

We do not consider that the targets referred to are "realistic" as far as land-based wind power is concerned for the simple reason that we consider this aspect of the policy itself to be unsustainable. It cannot take practical effect without incurring unacceptable and progressive consequences.

 As the Countryside Commission observed (ref 7) "there is often an obvious contradiction between the requirement to secure electricity at the cheapest price and the need to respect valued landscapes" ... concluding that "we do not feel it makes sense to tackle one environmental problem by creating another". "Tackle", not 'solve', we note.

 The targets, whether specific or implied, for land-based wind can only be achieved at the expense of colossal and in our view unjustified damage to the landscapes of Wales, and other parts of the UK. We do not consider this to be an acceptable, sustainable or realistic way to develop renewable energy.

 The image of land-based wind power as a 'clean green' renewable source is tarnished by its propensity for visual intrusion at considerable distances in high quality landscapes; localised noise intrusion; disruption of local amenity and public enjoyment of the countryside; and potential danger to horse riders on nearby bridleways and other legal routes. These problems represent a subtle form of pollution which in our view has been inadequately weighed in the balancing exercise necessary to evaluate the benefits and role of a potentially major renewable power source.

CPRW recognises that there are potential drawbacks to probably all forms of renewable energy, but believes that land-based wind power has been promoted as unduly benign and cost-effective, and this has been to the detriment of other, potentially rival, technologies. We note, for instance, the late but welcome inclusion of wave-power in the SRO-3 announcement of February 1999 and look forward to its development with interest.

We regard the effects of past and proposed wind power development on the Welsh landscape and environment as profoundly negative and destructive, and consider that there is rarely, if ever, any net benefit.

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