The publication of the report marks the end of a year-long inquiry which has examined in detail all aspects of energy and planning policy in Wales. The Committee has made nearly 80 recommendations to the Welsh Government covering a range of fields from renewable energy targets, grid access and community involvement, through to the planning and consenting process and the devolution of further energy powers.
Some of the key recommendations for the Welsh Government include to actively encourage a greater mix of renewable energy technological developments below 50MW; to commission research to measure the economic impact of wind farms and associated grid infrastructure on the tourism industry in Wales; to commission an economic impact assessment study of the impact of transport movements associated with wind farm developments in Mid Wales; to clarify its position on the need for major grid reinforcement in Mid Wales; and to formally publish its case for further devolution of energy consenting powers.
Mr George, who is a member of the Committee who produced the report, said that while he could not agree to every aspect of the report, he was satisfied with the broad message it was sending to the Government - that its present policy direction needed serious review and reform and that it had to engage more with communities that may be affected.
Commenting, Mr George said:
“This was my very first committee inquiry and I believe it has been conducted thoroughly and robustly and the recommendations I think bear that out.
“However, what I noticed through the evidence taking sessions was the amount of contradictory evidence that was being given, particularly by Government Ministers and officials.
"A clear example of this was in relation to grid infrastructure, where we had several different letters and statements over as many months from the Government trying to clarify its position.
“This clearly demonstrates that the Government has to re-examining its policies in detail, clarify any ambiguities and reform areas that are out of date; like TAN 8.
“I am pleased that the Committee was unequivocal with this issue. Its view was that many aspects of TAN 8 are out of date, particularly the areas that have been made redundant due to the advance in renewable technology since 2005.
“Yet, where I would have had recommended a Government review of TAN 8 now, the majority view of the Committee was that it would recommend the Government implement change when it introduces its planning legislation in the next 12-18 months.
“I am pleased that the Committee took the views of the communities of Mid Wales seriously and I believe there were a number of positive wins for Mid Wales in this report, including the calls for proper research into the economic impact of wind farms on Welsh tourism and an economic impact assessment of transport movements associated with wind farm developments in Mid Wales.
"The Committee agreed that it was unacceptable that it has taken so long for a final version of the Strategic Transport Plan for Mid Wales to be published.
"I am also pleased that it has recommended improved mechanisms for community engagement, so that proper consultation about any potential impacts of energy development is done earlier and more comprehensively.
“I believe the voice of Mid Wales was heard very clearly by the Committee through the range of individuals and organisations that gave up their time to provide us with, what was in many cases, telling evidence about what it feels like to live with the uncertainty of hundreds of wind turbines and associated infrastructure being constructed on our doorstep.
"I hope that Ministers carefully reflect on these recommendations and will accept them.”