WRITTEN STATEMENT
BY
THE WELSH GOVERNMENT
Title:
Energy Wales Unit Rural Economy Development Task and Finish
Group
Date:
7 September 2015
By:
Edwina Hart AM, Minister for Economy, Science and Transport
I am writing to announce my intention to set up a Rural Development Task and Finish
Group. The purpose of the group is to develop and recommend a strategic plan on a
sustainable approach to economic growth and well being in the Rural Economy.
This will include investigating the barriers to growth of the development of renewable
energy in rural areas (including grid constraints and efficient energy storage) in order
to deliver Jobs, Growth, Wealth, improving community well being, to combat fuel
poverty whilst advancing the cause of communities in rural Wales through renewable
energy and related matters.
I have asked Jeremy Smith, Welsh Development Manager of RWE Innogy, to Chair
the Group, and they have accepted the invitation.
The membership of the Group has been agreed as:
Economic Academic Expert
Planning Issues Expert
North Wales Credit Union
Grid – CEW
Forestry – CONFOR
Sector SME - MD Dulas Ltd
OFGEM Rep - Observer
Biomass – Severn Wye Energy Agency
Peter Midmore
Edmund Bailey
Rina Clarke
Chris Blake
Martin Bishop
Phil Horton
James Veaney
Dr Rachel Smith
The first meeting of the Group will take place shortly.
This statement is being issued during recess in order to keep members informed.
Should members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this
when the Assembly returns I would be happy to do so.