The Welsh Microgen Network was launched by Jane Davidson, the Welsh Assembly Environment Minister, today.
The network has been set up so that renewables installers can discuss issues of common interest to them
More info: http://wales.gov.uk/newsroom/environmentandcountryside/2010/101104installers/?lang=en
In publishing the Climate Change Strategy for Wales and its partner detail reports Delivery Plan for Emission Reduction and Adaptation Delivery Plan, with an overall vision for 2050, the Welsh Assembly Government have determined that an annual 3% reduction in carbon emissions is required.
The reports have been based on input from the Climate Change Commission for Wales, which is now headed by Peter Davies, the outgoing Sustainable Development Commissioner for Wales.
An anaerobic digester planned to be installed on a farm in Talgarth has been delayed in the planning process for the past three years. Plans were originally submitted to Brecon Beacons National Park planning authority in September 2007 and were initially unanimously approved by the planning committee in October 2008 but which was subsequently rescinded due to failure to agree S106 conditions.
Following an appeal a Welsh Assembly planning inspector gave the project the go-ahead. But the Brecon Beacons planning authority launched a judicial review based on the inspector’s lack of a detailed explanation for the decision. The crux of the argument relates to whether the AD plant can be considered a farm diversification project or not, and how the Brecon Beacons planning authority may treat similar planning applications in the future. It appears that this point was clearly discussed at the appeal hearing. (Point 7 contains a small error as what should be “536kW” has been written as “536KWh”)
It is now 3 years since the original planning application.
Tick-tock tick-tock.
Attended the launch event of the Prince of Wales’ START programme held at the Botanic Gardens at Llanarthne yesterday.
The event was a compendium of separate launches of a disparate but related set of initiatives which included the ‘Size of Wales’, the Carmarthenshire Community Challenge and The Prince’s Regeneration Trust’s Green Guide for Historic Buildings.
I attended a talk given by Nell Hellier of Tywi Afon Yr Oesoedd on the conservation of older Welsh buildings which was very interesting. I hope to go on their lime plastering course in October.
Altogether there was too much to see and do and not enough time to do it.
(Click the photo for a larger version – no, there isn’t any prize for guessing which two are members of SO14.)
Today sees the introduction of the TAN22 requirement that all new home planning applications in Wales meet the Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3 standard.
This is the next step in the implementation of the Assembly’s plan to make all new homes zero carbon from 2013, as all WAG funded housing was required to meet this standard from September last year.
The changes will be implemented by planning authorities requiring developers to provide appropriate Design Stage Assessments and Post Construction Stage Assessments as part of the planning process.
A new package of support to help Welsh Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) profit from the renewable energy sector has been launched by Environment Minister Jane Davidson.
The Environment Minister unveiled a programme aimed at helping Welsh businesses to achieve the necessary accreditation to install microgeneration technology such as solar panels and heat pumps.
Through the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), small and medium sized renewable energy installation companies will be able to access interest free loans to cover the cost of gaining MCS accreditation.
Eligible companies will also be able to access the services of a development officer who will provide free and impartial advice to steer them through the accreditation process.
A unique project that will develop new technology for electricity generation from the tides off the Pembrokeshire coast is set to receive £1.4m funding, the WAG Environment Minister, Jane Davidson has announced.
Tidal Energy Limited, the Company behind the technology, will be able to carry out site surveys, environmental assessments and design work at the proposed demonstration site at Ramsey Sound, Pembrokeshire.
Peter Davies, SDC Commissioner for Wales has responded to the funding cuts announced recently by DEFRA. The Welsh Assembly have stated that they will continue to fund SDC Wales until the end of March 2011
http://www.sd-commission.org.uk/news.php/366/wales/sdc-wales-response-to-defra-funding-announcement
I attended the Community Action for Climate Change Network event held in Carmarthen today. The network is a Welsh Assembly organised and funded group for raising awareness about and helping communities to reduce their carbon footprints.
Several of the ‘usual suspects’ were present and I also met some interesting new people as well, such as Chris Blake, the chairman of The Green Valleys project. Also bumped into Anne from FoE Carmarthen who I hadn’t seen for a couple of years.
Some very interesting and thought provoking presentations by Cassie Lishman of the Lammas low impact village project and by Chris Blake on funding models. Chatted with Rhodri Thomas, a Development Officer with Cynnal Cymru, who has written and starred in a very funny short video – Eco Worriers – with welsh comedy legend Boyd Clack.
Continue reading
Finally we have the new proposals from WAG on changes to GPDOs for both domestic and non-domestic properties in Wales. I’ve been chasing them to do this for the past six months or more. The consultation period closes on 3rd July.
In summary it covers the installation of:
Continue reading