![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/cop27-wales-green-energy-progress-too-slow-think-tank-warns/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/127528613_whatsappimage2022-11-05at14.11.07.jpg&description=Image caption, Interconnecting reservoirs drive power generation at Cwm RheidolHidden away in a remote valley you'll find one of the UK's oldest renewable power stations.For 60 years, Rheidol Hydropower Plant, near Aberystwyth, has been generating clean electricity from abundant rain.Operators say Wales has the key ingredients to be a "strong player" in producing green energy, but the Institute of Welsh Affairs has warned progress has been too slow.The Welsh government said it had bold ambitions to meet energy needs.It is set to talk later about its plans to tackle climate change, while world leaders are meeting in Egypt for the COP27 summit.Renewable sources like wind, solar and hydro meet 56% of Wales' electricity demand, but the Welsh government hopes this will reach 70% by 2030, although this is currently under review.People are "always surprised" when they stumble across the vast hydro power plant in the scenic Cwm Rheidol valley, according to boss Dennis Geyermann."But this is the story of renewable energy - it brings interesting, high tech jobs into rural areas," he said.Made up of a series of interconnecting reservoirs, dams, underground tunnels and power stations, it is the largest project of its kind in Wales and England.It covers a total area of 162 sq km (62 sq miles), and supplies enough electricity to power up to 15,000 homes. Since 2008, it has been owned by Statkraft, an offshoot of the Norwegian government, and Europe's largest producer of renewable power.Image caption, Dennis Geyermann: "We have the right landscape, we have enough rain and wind and there's a great coastline"From here the firm's other renewable energy schemes - as far afield as the Scottish highlands - are also monitored 24 hours a day."This is kind of like the brains of the operation," explained Mr Geyermann, vice president for operations and maintenance.He said the company - which recently announced it hopes to develop a new green hydrogen plant in Pembrokeshire - had a "large pro){kind=link}
Hidden away in a remote valley you’ll find one of the UK’s oldest renewable power stations.
For 60 years, Rheidol Hydropower Plant, near Aberystwyth, has been generating clean electricity from abundant rain.
Operators say Wales has the key ingredients to be a “strong player” in producing green energy, but the Institute of Welsh Affairs has warned progress has been too slow.
The Welsh government said it had bold ambitions to meet energy needs.
It is set to talk later about its plans to tackle climate change, while world leaders are meeting in Egypt for the COP27 summit.