2. Will the Minister make a statement on the green economy in Wales? OAQ(5)0070(EI)

Yes, the green economy underpins our programme for government commitment to introduce new legislation for the environment. Our aim is to position Wales as a low-carbon, green economy, to support projects that help reduce the impact of climate change.

Diolch. Greening our economy is an important part of our efforts to tackle climate change here in Wales, and, last month, I attended a public meeting sponsored by Stop Climate Change Chaos. I took their pledge to speak up on climate change and use my role as an Assembly Member to drive action on climate change. I note with interest the different approaches taken by different UKIP AMs on this issue—on one hand we have Caroline Jones joining me in taking that pledge to speak up on action for climate change and making sure it’s addressed, and well done. On the other hand, though, we had David Rowlands last week and the remarkable ode to climate change denial that took place in this Chamber. Would you agree that that UKIP approach will not be taken up by the Welsh Government, as those short-term solutions cannot be taken seriously on this important issue?

I’d like to thank the Member for his question. Whilst other parties might be inconsistent in their approach to climate change, we will remain absolutely resolute in our determination to meet our international obligations and, indeed, to grow the green economy, which is of enormous value to communities right across Wales. In terms of green energy, we know that many jobs in some of our most rural parts of Wales—particularly in the north-west and in the west—heavily rely on that sector, and we will do all that we can to grow that economic priority sector.

Minister, I have asked successive Cabinet Secretaries and Ministers in this institution to actually start delivering on some of the rhetoric that they’ve talked about, especially on microgeneration in the green energy sector, and, to do that, we need a grid that can allow people to connect to it. There are many, many people who would wish to generate—or play a part in generating—green energy projects, especially farmers and landowners, but they just cannot get a grid connection. And unless Western Power Distribution and the other grid providers provide those facilities, then you are not going to be able to deliver on this part of the economy. So, what discussions are you having to develop a coherent strategy to upgrade the grid here in Wales, so that, ultimately, small and medium-sized green energy projects can, if they wish, connect to the grid and play their part in the green economy?

Well, of course, in terms of these responsibilities, it falls into the hands of the Cabinet Secretary for environment and natural resources. We work closely in terms of identifying the barriers for green growth, including green growth in the energy sector. Perhaps the biggest opportunity that we have—and the Member highlights the potential of this sector—perhaps the greatest opportunity could come with the autumn statement, if good news is presented later this month in regard to the tidal lagoon in Swansea bay.

Cabinet Secretary, why not embrace the excellent opportunities that exist in responding to the challenge of climate change—these positive economic opportunities? What is the Government doing to promote hydrogen fuel cell technologies in the economy at the moment? I understand that fuel cells were originally devised in Wales, as it happens, but, by now, those hydrogen fuel cells are a way particularly of powering vehicles and even trains that can run on the new metro that is being proposed for south Wales. The technology is in place and the capability is there, so now what is required is funding and support in order to make the technology something practical that people can use in their daily lives. This is a way of turning renewable energy into something that can be used across Wales.

Well, the Member is absolutely right, and I’m pleased that we’ve been able to give support both in terms of advice and guidance, but also financial resource to Riversimple—a company that the Member may be aware of—which is at the forefront of research, development and innovation insofar as hydrogen cell engines are concerned. This is a growing area of interest for innovators and particularly universities right across the world. The Member is also right to say that we should be embracing the economic opportunities that the growth in the green economy present, and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and Waste and Resources Action Programme study found that achieving a greener economy in Wales could provide economic benefits of more than £2 billion a year. This immense contribution to the economy would also produce jobs with a higher gross value added, and also drive research and development in the Welsh economy, which is what we so necessarily need right now. And in terms of a WRAP and Green Alliance study, there’s a prediction that up to 30,000 new jobs can be created in Wales through the development of, again, a more circular green economy. So, it’s absolutely vital that we continue to invest, through our green funds, and continue to provide advice and guidance to businesses within the green sector to grow and to prosper.