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Statement by BWEA Cymru regarding the Mid Wales access question in relation to the construction of wind farms

BWEA Cymru and its members are fully aware of the logistical transport challenges that will accompany the development of wind farms in mid Wales and are fully committed to taking steps that will minimize the impact on residents and road users during the construction of the sites.

In order to better understand the timeline and impact on traffic and road access BWEA Cymru has formed a transport sub group. The group will commission the development of a cumulative traffic management tool which will enable authorities to fully assess and appraise the impact that the construction of wind farms will have.

In addition BWEA Cymru is working closely with the Welsh Assembly Government, local authorities, police services, Mid Wales Trunk Road Agency and the Highway Agency in a working group that has been established to find workable solutions to transport issues.

Given that the construction of many wind farm sites is conditional on multiple issues including planning permission, grid access, and the availability of turbines, transport systems, and construction materials, concurrent construction of a large number of sites at the same time is unlikely. To avoid compressing the construction work on wind farms in the future, BWEA Cymru would urge that projects that are currently ready to be taken forward be allowed to progress without delay.

All partners need to work together towards achieving Welsh Assembly Government renewable energy targets set for 2010. Generating clean non carbon emitting electricity by using natural resources is one of the main ways Wales can lower its contribution to global climate change and secure energy supply for the future.