Part of 1. Questions to the Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs – in the Senedd at 1:31 pm on 17 July 2019.
Well, I can assure the Member, and everyone across Wales, that it didn't take Plaid Cymru to persuade me. We provide 100 per cent rate relief for community hydropower schemes, as you know, and that rate support is also available to other hydropower projects with a rateable value below £50,000. I'm very aware of Ynni Ogwen, which is an excellent scheme in your constituency, which I've visited. You will be aware that we don't know what our budget is for next year yet. We have no idea from the UK Government, but clearly it is an area where I feel we did need to have that support for hydropower schemes. I'm very keen that—. As part of the climate emergency, obviously, renewable energy is a huge part of us achieving our climate targets. So, I'm going to continue to ensure that renewable energy is absolutely part of our vision for a more sustainable future here in Wales.