James Evans MS has questioned the Welsh Government on whether they plan to help wind farm developers obtain Compulsory Purchase Orders to meet renewable energy targets.
In an exchange with the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Welsh Language Jeremy Miles MS on Wednesday (03/07), James also asked whether the Welsh Government would rule out taking over the running of wind farms if the companies behind them became insolvent. The Economy Secretary did not commit to this.
James Evans MS, Senedd Member for Brecon and Radnorshire, said:
“To meet the Welsh Government’s 70% renewable energy consumption target by 2030, wind farm developers are going to need compulsory purchase orders to get land. The Welsh Government must come clean on whether they intend to help developers purchase the land they need for these large-scale projects to go ahead.
“I am concerned that the Cabinet Secretary for Economy refused to rule out the government stepping in to take over the running of said wind farms should the companies behind them go bust.
“He also said ‘planning requirements respects the needs of local communities’ – let’s hope the Ministers remember this when the time comes to approve or reject the proposals.”
