Local MP Welcomes Alternative Energy Plans

Stephen Crabb MP chatting with Alan Kilbey, who is applying to erect a wind turbine on his land.

 

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By ORR

January 13, 2007

Preseli Pembrokeshire MP, Stephen Crabb, has called for more to be done to promote green sources of energy.

He recently visited the farm of Mr Alan Kilbey in Trefgarne who is currently reapplying for planning permission to erect a turbine on his property. Mr Kilbey already has a hydro scheme on his land and, coupled with the wind turbine, hopes to be able to remove himself from the National Energy grid and become totally energy self-sufficient.

However the plans for the turbine are facing problems from the local County Council Planning Authority. Currently Pembrokeshire is home to only one wind turbine based at Mr Keith Knight’s farm near Steynton.

Stephen is a patron of the West Wales Eco Centre in Newport and, as a signatory of EDM 178 on Climate Change, is committed to promoting alternative sources of energy. Stephen has spent time discussing other forms of renewable energy such as vegetable oil fuels, biomass crops and tidal power with constituents.

Commenting after his visit to Mr Kilbey’s farm, Stephen said, "I believe wind power does have a significant role to play in meeting our future energy challenge, alongside other low carbon energy technologies like solar, tidal and hydrogen power. I am extremely encouraged to see the enthusiasm that Alan has for this project. He is one of a growing number of Pembrokeshire residents who are looking to develop their energy supply from alternative sources."

"Although I have no desire to see large scale on shore wind farms desecrating the Pembrokeshire countryside, single turbines and other microgeneration projects have an important role to play in reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. We should expect to see more turbines around Pembrokeshire in the years to come and the local planning authorities should move in-step with the trend."

Mr Kilbey added, "Denmark and Germany have managed to harness wind power extremely efficiently and without any large scale adverse effect on the landscape. Wales is in danger of totally missing the boat by not taking advantage of its natural resources. Unless the Government make a special case for small scale wind turbines by changing planning law, I feel that Wales will fail to reap the environmental or associated economic benefits of wind power."

Stephen concluded, "I have recently met with National Farming Unions and the management of Chevron Oil Refinery in Pembroke, to discuss the possibility of local farmers being able to supply bio crops to produce green vehicle fuel".

"The future of energy provision is one of the most important issues facing the UK. Alongside a strong and secure oil and gas industry we need new sources low carbon energy. I will do all I can to encourage and promote both local and national projects to help find viable solutions to our future energy needs."