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| Sun, 18th Apr 2021 1:28:00 |
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Senedd 2021: Could reservoirs create green energy? |
There are few things more predictable in Wales than rain.
Areas of Snowdonia and Powys see high levels, with much of it collected in reservoirs to provide water.
So, why are we not harnessing more renewable energy from the grey clouds that often hover ominously in the sky?
We asked readers what they'd do if they ran Wales, and Andrew Fullman, of Cardiff, said he'd like hydroelectric reservoirs to be considered after the Senedd election on 6 May.
The 51-year-old has heard politicians advocate the use of solar panels, wind turbines on land and at sea, and even examine a tidal barrage as we try to cut carbon emissions and provide greener energy.
He now wants a commission to examine the viability of utilising reservoirs more, adding: "We have over 100 in Wales, the infrastructure is already there.
"There can't be many places that have as many reservoirs as us, certainly not in terms of the size of the area, and we supply half of England with water.
"So let's put it to some use."
According to the Met Office, areas of Snowdonia and Powys, as well as locations in the Scottish Highlands and the Lake District, receive more than four metres (13ft) of rainfall a year.
Mr Fullman believes this puts sites such as Lake Vyrnwy in Powys, Llyn Conwy in north-west Wales and Ystradfellte Reservoir in the Brecon Beacons in a prime position to provide energy as they export water to our taps.
There are currently 363 hydropower projects in Wales, which use turbines to generate electricity as water flows through, and contribute 2% of the country's needs.
While some reservoirs, such as Caban Coch in the Elan Valley, produce this form of renewable power, most are small initiatives, such as farmers using streams running through their land.
However, a grant scheme for these ends this month.
Much renewables focus has been on wind farms - with one capable of generating enough energy to power 3.4 million homes proposed off the north Wales coast.
There are also plans to put floating turbines in the Celtic Sea about 28 miles (45km) off Pembrokeshire.
A £1.3bn tidal lagoon was also explored in Swansea, but plans did not progress after the UK government decided not to back them.
Some proposals have been controversial, such as the Parc Solar Traffwll development on Anglesey, which supermarket giant Tesco plans to source renewable energy from.
Mr Fullman believes reservoirs could be an alternative, adding: "The infrastructure is already there, with water running through them.
"Any hydroelectric plant could be incorporated into the countryside, which would not affect the beauty of the landscape such as when you put big (wind) turbines there."
Another big plus, he said, was "it rains all the time" in Wales, making it "an endless supply of energy".
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