Montgomeryshire AM Mick Bates has challenged the Welsh Government over their intelligence on the development of renewable energy in Wales, following the news that after announcing plans to close its factory in Newtown, electronics giant Siemens is to build a new multi-million base in Manchester, that will be a global centre for the development of next generation wind farms.
Commenting, Mr Bates said:
“After the disappointing news last week that forty jobs are set to go as Siemens plans to close its factory in Newtown, I am shocked to learn that rather than closing down, Siemens is expanding and developing a new multimillion pound site in Manchester. The site will create up to 170 jobs working with innovative green technology and will become a global centre for the development of next generation wind farms.
“I have written to the Minister to ask what intelligence the Government have on future plans for renewable energy in Wales, because it seems to me that if they had been on the ball and entered discussions with Siemens, we could have lobbied for this multi-million pound development to come here to Montgomeryshire. Instead of building a new site, Siemens could have expanded the existing site in Newtown and instead of losing 40 jobs we would have gained 170!
“The green sector will be an important employer in future years, but jobs, skills and investment are being driven over the border. The lack of political support for renewable development, nimbyism and constant delays in the planning system mean that companies are losing faith in Welsh renewables. As a result we have missed out on a great opportunity for Newtown to be at the forefront of an innovative green technology industry and bring jobs and investment to the area.”
