Renewable Resources

Issue 3D

Could Wales make as much energy from sustainable sources as it did from coal?

Reducing demand for energy (ideally while still providing the social benefits of its use) is one way to take action on climate change. Another is to reduce the problematic environmental footprint of how we extract and process energy. Chief among those negative impacts is greenhouse gas emissions, but there are other ecological concerns associated with virtually every energy source, no matter how ‘sustainable’.

Renewable Energy

Wales has been investing in renewable energy sources for decades, with a marked increase in the past few years. Below, read about the Welsh Government's strategy on renewable energies, its commitment to reach 100% sustainable sourcing, and what National Trust sites are already doing to improve.

Has the time come for a renewable energy revolution in Wales?How will Wales hit its target of 70% of electricity demand from renewable sources by 2030? Find out what the Welsh Government is doing, and what more needs to be done in our article.

www.gov.wales/wales-aims-meet-100-its-electricity-needs-renewable-sources-2035

Renewable energy in WalesFrom solar power to hydroelectricity, learn how renewable energy projects in Wales are helping combat climate change and saving money for conservation.

Hydro

Watch the video below to understand how hydropower works. When you understand the basic principles behind it, you’ll understand why climate change is putting Wales’ hydropower potential at risk - since one of the consequences will be increasing fluctuation in water availability.

Wales is home to southern Great Britain’s largest hydropower project, as well as several other major electricity generators. Learn about a couple of them below.

Dinorwig was a slate quarry in the 18th century before a power plant opened on site in 1984. Watch the video to learn more, and/or read the article if you prefer.

Dinorwig: A unique power plant in the north of WalesThe UK’s fastest source of electricity is hidden away in the mountains of north Wales, poised to spring into action in the event of energy shortages. Dinorwig is a pumped hydroelectric power plant, and a forbearer of modern hydropower. But how does it work?

Can power plants be spaces for community education and recreation? The managers of the Rheidol site certainly think so! Learn more about the project from Statkraft, t Norwegian company that operates the scheme.

THE RHEIDOL STORYRheidol hydropower scheme is as much a destination for tourists as it is a stopping point for those living nearby. Read about what makes the Rheidol hydropower plant so special.

Solar

The Earth receives more than 10,000 times the power that humanity uses from sunlight. Can we harness that energy?

Should Wales invest in solar energy? The Welsh Government helps guide households through considering panels on their roofs, but ITV recently explored tensions surrounding land use options when it comes to larger scale solar farms.

Wind

How do we get electricity from wind? Watch the explainer below to understand the basic science behind turbines.

Now that you know how wind-based energy technologies work, browse the articles below for notes on where wind projects already exist in Wales, how they’re expanding, and what some of the concerns are.

Since devolution, the Welsh government has invested in a number of onshore wind projects.

Natural Resources Wales / Wind energy

Who benefits from wind energy...and is anyone harmed? Some people consider turbines an eyesore; others are concerned about ecological impacts. Read this article about how one Welsh community understands the pros and cons.

Climate change: Wind farms must benefit locals, campaigners sayResidents say wind farms should be owned by the community if they are visible and affect wildlife.

Wales recently approved its first offshore development for wind energy. Read more about the science and politics behind the project in this news story.

Floating offshore wind farm approved off Welsh coastThe first stage, known as project Erebus, will see turbines generating electricity for 93,000 homes after their completion in 2026.

Geothermal

Wales’ rich history as coal country may be getting new life, thanks to the geothermal potential in old mines. Skim the piece from the British Geological Survey about what geothermal energy entails, and then read the news about the Welsh mine water experiment.

Geothermal energy - British Geological SurveyThe term ‘geothermal energy’ refers to any heat derived from the ground, from depths of a few metres to multiple kilometres beneath the earth surface.

Energy bills: Homes could be heated by floodwater from disused minesWater from disused mines could be used to heat homes and cut bills, the Welsh government says.

Nuclear

Nuclear power is not necessarily a ‘renewable’ energy source: it is fairly clean, from an emissions perspective, but the uranium fuel source used in many (though not all) of nuclear plants is not considered a renewable resource. Learn more about nuclear energy in the video below, then read how the Welsh Government discusses nuclear jobs and the current uncertainty over a possible new nuclear plant. For more information, you can read the UK Parliament’s recent report on nuclear energy in Wales.

www.gov.wales/new-nuclear-power-brings-high-quality-jobs-and-growth

PM urged to end new Wylfa nuclear plant 'uncertainty'