Written question WQ98284
- Asked by
- Darren MillarConservative
- To be answered by
- Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 5 days
Question
What consideration has the Welsh Government given to the role of hydroelectric and geothermal power in meeting Wales's energy needs?
Answer
Answered by Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning
The Welsh Government has given significant and ongoing consideration to both hydroelectric and geothermal (particularly mine‑water geothermal) energy as part of our wider strategy to meet Wales’ future energy needs. Wales already hosts a broad range of hydro schemes, from the major pumped‑storage station at Dinorwig to many smaller community‑scale installations. Welsh Government funded a study into the feasibility of using water from disused coal mines to provide heat to homes, businesses, and industries in Wales. Our planning policy is supportive of sustainable renewable energy projects and our renewable energy targets allow for a mixture of technologies to come forward.