Biofuel could contribute to Welsh renewable energy mix

As Welsh authorities look to the planning process for renewable energy projects, biofuel could play a growing part in achieving the anticipated mix of different technologies for power production.

The Welsh Assembly Government is assessing how best to implement a sustainable and efficient planning process for renewable energy projects, given the existing split-level system in place.

Schemes with anticipated output of less than 50 MW can be approved within Wales itself; however, larger energy generation projects must receive central approval from London.

"There are consequently a significant number of large renewable energy projects being proposed in Wales which are determined outside our planning system," the devolved assembly says.

Now assembly ministers are considering whether this is the most efficient means of conducting the planning process in the country.

In its guidance on renewable energy, the Welsh Assembly Government lists biofuels which can be produced quickly from biological matter - as opposed to slow-forming fossil fuels - as part of the mix of energy sources which also includes solar, wind and hydropower.