6. Plaid Cymru Debate: The energy sector and the climate and nature emergencies

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:23 pm on 13 October 2021.

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Photo of Rhys ab Owen Rhys ab Owen Plaid Cymru 4:23, 13 October 2021

Wales can produce the power we need from renewable sources and export energy across the world. From this place, the port of Cardiff, global Wales, international Wales, exported coal to the four corners of the world. We can be a powerhouse yet again. 

What we cannot do is to wait and wait for meagre handouts from a disinterested Westminster Government. As seen in the future ports report, which was published today, the Crown Estate is auctioning leases for the development of offshore wind and other renewable technologies. This is despite the fact that the Welsh Government has responsibility for renewable energy for projects up to 350 MW. Lucrative revenues from the Crown Estate leases that should flow here to the Welsh Treasury are instead disappearing to a pot in Whitehall, with a generous 25 per cent cut to the royal family. Money that could make a difference to families here in Wales is going straight into the bank accounts of billionaires.