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The Welsh government will be unable to bring forward renewable generation in the country, despite being handed new devolved powers, Plaid Cymru MP Liz Saville Roberts has warned.
Saville Roberts said there is not sufficient capacity on the grid in Wales for new renewables projects, particularly in mid Wales.
The Welsh government currently has the power to approve projects up to 50MW, but this is set to increase to 350MW under the Wales Bill. However grid infrastructure and planning will remain with Westminster.
Saville Roberts told Utility Week: “I welcome the fact that we are talking about devolving greater powers over generating electricity to Wales.
“The powers have been given with one hand, but effectively for many areas of Wales, particularly rural Wales it won’t be possible to realise these powers, because the Welsh government will have no say over [the grid, which is not devolved].”
The Wales Bill, which will fulfil the St David’s Day commitments made by Prime Minister David Cameron last February to devolve more powers to Wales, is currently in pre-legislative scrutiny. In an oral evidence session in the scrutiny process in December Saville Roberts said the split between the proposed devolved powers and those reserved for Westminster lacked “principles or a rationale”.
A spokesperson for National Grid said the devolution of energy consent responsibilities is a matter for the UK and Welsh Governments as part of the Wales Bill, but is “working with both parties to understand any implications”.
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