Editor

It was with dismay that I read in the Cambrian News (3 September) an article highlighting plans for the building of three gas-fired power stations in Gwynedd, one in Porthmadog, one in Holyhead and one, apparently already with planning permission, in Caernarfon.

At a time when we all have to do our utmost to reduce the burning of greenhouse gases and reduce our carbon emissions, how can Gwynedd Council consider approving planning permission for gas-fired power stations? We should only be allowing renewable energy plants. It is good that there has been a huge reduction in coal-powered energy production, but to replace coal with gas makes no sense.

The argument put forward is that we need some small power stations that can be turned on quickly when there is a peak in demand. We have two of these in Gwynedd, Dinorwig and Tanygrisiau, both of which are “renewable” and both can be turned on and produce energy in seconds.

Surely a renewable alternative is available.

For Caernarfon there is the Menai Straits, which has a strong tidal race, and the Mawddach at Barmouth has a similar strong tide. Why can’t some tidal power be used to replace coal? If we find we are producing too much energy from renewable sources, then we need to find better ways of storing that energy to be used when demand is great.

I understand that from 2025 households will not be able to fit new gas or oil boilers to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions. It is mad to be building new gas power stations in the meantime.

Roger Duke Friog

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