Abergelli power station decision shows that Welsh Government’s declaration of ‘Climate Emergency’ is

Plaid AM Dr. Dai Lloyd has claimed that the recent decision by the UK Government to grant development consent for a 300 MW gas-fired power station on land at Abergelli, north of Swansea shows that the Welsh Government’s ‘climate emergency’ declaration is being undermined.

Dr. Lloyd will today raise the matter at the Senedd. He will call on the Trefnydd, Rebecca Evans AM, to commit the Welsh Government to bringing forward a statement on the issue.

Today, Dr. Lloyd stated:

“The Welsh Government has made a number of policy announcements over recent months which are relevant to this application in Abergelli, none more so than becoming the first parliament in the world to vote in favour of the declaration of a climate emergency.

“The Welsh Government has also specifically committed to cross governmental action on decarbonisation to reach net-zero by 2050.

“The decision by the UK Government to grant development consent for the gas-fired power station at Abergelli therefore flies in the face of Welsh Government policy in this area.

“We know that the UK Government has already made a number of major infrastructure decisions which have resulted in a significant amount of additional fossil fuel generation being located in Wales, whilst at the same time rejecting renewable energy projects such as the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon.”

Dr. Lloyd added:

“Despite developing Wales-specific policy on this front, the current deficit in the devolution settlement means that the UK Government can ride rough-shod, and simply ignore it, as is the case here in Abergelli.

“This is yet another example of the Welsh Government lacking the powers to deliver against its own objectives.

“The Welsh Government should have the power to decide on all energy projects within Wales – only then will it have the ability to fully deliver its aims. In the meantime, the UK Government can continue to ignore Welsh Government policy objectives. The Welsh Government needs to challenge this and demand additional powers for our national democratic institution.”