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0:00:02 > 0:00:05- Over the past year, - thousands of solar panels...
0:00:05 > 0:00:08- ..have been erected - on the hills of rural Wales.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11- Many viewers - have contacted Y Byd Ar Bedwar...
0:00:11 > 0:00:14- ..to complain about solar farms.
0:00:15 > 0:00:20- We hear from a farmer whose scheme - has been refused permission.
0:00:21 > 0:00:23- This is an ideal location.
0:00:23 > 0:00:26- It's an injustice, - for me and the area.
0:00:26 > 0:00:31- We talk to campaigners who oppose - developments in their communities.
0:00:33 > 0:00:36- People don't want to see - solar panels in such an area.
0:00:36 > 0:00:39- And we hear from the council...
0:00:39 > 0:00:44- ..that feels it has been misled - by green energy companies twice.
0:00:44 > 0:00:47- They promised the world - and did nothing.
0:00:48 > 0:00:53- As the government cuts subsidies - for renewable energy schemes...
0:00:53 > 0:00:57- ..will the sun shine again - on the solar industry in Wales?
0:01:04 > 0:01:07- This solar farm - in Rhosygilwen, Pembrokeshire...
0:01:08 > 0:01:10- ..was the first - to be erected in Wales.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13- It has 10,000 panels in all...
0:01:13 > 0:01:17- ..producing enough electricity - for some 300 homes.
0:01:18 > 0:01:22- But since it started to produce - electricity five years ago...
0:01:22 > 0:01:25- ..the number of solar farms in Wales - has exploded.
0:01:26 > 0:01:28- There are now 55 up and running...
0:01:28 > 0:01:32- ..and another 43 have been - granted planning permission.
0:01:34 > 0:01:37- But every scheme - doesn't please everyone.
0:01:39 > 0:01:43- Les Taylor contacted Y Byd Ar Bedwar - to complain about plans...
0:01:43 > 0:01:47- ..to build a solar farm near his - home in Llanvapley, Monmouthshire.
0:01:50 > 0:01:55- I came here and discovered - a notice on the gate...
0:01:56 > 0:01:59- ..that a company - wanted to erect a huge solar park...
0:02:00 > 0:02:02- ..in these fields.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07- The site is near - the Brecon Beacons National Park.
0:02:07 > 0:02:12- Monmouthshire's planning committee - refused the original application...
0:02:13 > 0:02:16- ..because its size and location - would adversely effect...
0:02:17 > 0:02:19- ..the beauty - and quality of the landscape.
0:02:20 > 0:02:24- But the developers' revised scheme - was approved...
0:02:24 > 0:02:27- ..after an appeal - to the Welsh Government.
0:02:28 > 0:02:33- The government decides - and that's it, finished.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36- Yes, it's disappointing, - very disappointing.
0:02:38 > 0:02:42- 38,000 solar panels - will be erected here...
0:02:43 > 0:02:46- ..on 66 acres of agricultural land.
0:02:46 > 0:02:49- You live locally, - just down the road.
0:02:49 > 0:02:52- Some might accuse you - of being a Nimby.
0:02:52 > 0:02:57- For me, it isn't just - because I live down the road.
0:02:57 > 0:03:01- It's because I'm determined...
0:03:01 > 0:03:04- ..to protect our countryside.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07- Big companies come to Wales...
0:03:07 > 0:03:12- ..to create - what are industrial sites...
0:03:12 > 0:03:15- ..in the heart of beautiful Wales.
0:03:15 > 0:03:20- Dafydd Jones has also contacted - Y Byd Ar Bedwar in recent months.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23- But he isn't complaining - about a solar farm.
0:03:24 > 0:03:28- He hoped to erect solar panels - on his farm in Cilgwyn, Penygroes.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32- I saw an article - in Farmers Weekly.
0:03:32 > 0:03:37- I phoned them and they were - very keen to come here.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40- They came to see the site - and said it was ideal.
0:03:41 > 0:03:45- It's south-facing, - always in the sunshine...
0:03:45 > 0:03:48- ..and didn't impact upon anything...
0:03:48 > 0:03:50- ..or adversely effect anyone.
0:03:50 > 0:03:52- OK, one or two houses.
0:03:53 > 0:03:54- That's how it started.
0:03:55 > 0:03:59- For those 9,000 solar panels - on Parc Farm...
0:04:00 > 0:04:03- ..Dafydd Jones - would be paid rent by Navitas.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06- He says he'd have donated 3,500...
0:04:06 > 0:04:09- ..to the community group - Dyffryn Nantlle 2020...
0:04:09 > 0:04:12- ..after the panels were erected.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16- The money they were offering me...
0:04:16 > 0:04:19- ..was probably - a hundred times better every year...
0:04:20 > 0:04:25- ..than I'd get from poor - agricultural land such as this.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28- I'd be paid rent.
0:04:28 > 0:04:32- They'd be making the biggest profit, - while I'd be getting rent.
0:04:33 > 0:04:38- I was very pleased to be getting - a guaranteed income for 25 years.
0:04:38 > 0:04:43- It would take me into retirement, - and well beyond, to be honest.
0:04:44 > 0:04:45- It would have kept us going.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50- After hearing of the plan, - many objected.
0:04:51 > 0:04:53- According to Helen Hughes - from Carmel...
0:04:54 > 0:04:58- ..solar panels would destroy - the landscape of the Nantlle Valley.
0:04:59 > 0:05:01- We've lived here all our lives...
0:05:02 > 0:05:05- ..and we think the world - of Snowdonia and the scenery.
0:05:06 > 0:05:09- It would be a blot on the landscape.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13- Wherever you went, - you'd see it from afar.
0:05:14 > 0:05:18- When Gwynedd's planning committee - discussed the application...
0:05:19 > 0:05:20- ..she spoke against it.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24- She says that companies - target farmers to make a profit...
0:05:24 > 0:05:28- ..and is worried - what will happen to the panels...
0:05:28 > 0:05:30- ..when the 25-year term is over.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33- But her biggest worry - is the visual effect.
0:05:33 > 0:05:36- I'm not against clean energy...
0:05:37 > 0:05:40- ..as long as it's out of sight, - on level land...
0:05:40 > 0:05:44- ..and low enough - so that no-one can see it.
0:05:44 > 0:05:49- Dafydd Jones claims that many - local people supported the scheme.
0:05:50 > 0:05:52- Gwynedd Council told us...
0:05:52 > 0:05:56- ..that they received 16 letters - supporting the application.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00- The farmer insists that the scheme - wouldn't spoil the view.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05- We're on the boundary - of the Snowdonia National Park.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09- I want to show you - the view of the site from the Park.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12- My site is over there, - in the distance.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15- It points away, - towards the far side.
0:06:15 > 0:06:17- You can't see it at all from here.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20- What you do see from here...
0:06:20 > 0:06:21- ..is the old rubbish tip...
0:06:22 > 0:06:24- ..and hundreds of acres...
0:06:25 > 0:06:28- ..of ugly slate waste - that are left untouched.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32- Behind us here - is the Nebo transmitter...
0:06:32 > 0:06:35- ..and the industrial estate - in Penygroes.
0:06:35 > 0:06:37- All visible from the Park.
0:06:37 > 0:06:39- Do they say anything about those?
0:06:39 > 0:06:41- No, so why pick on me?
0:06:42 > 0:06:46- Gwynedd's planning committee - rejected the application.
0:06:46 > 0:06:50- They said that the panels would be - seen from the National Park...
0:06:50 > 0:06:53- ..that moorland - would be destroyed...
0:06:53 > 0:06:57- ..and that the scheme would impact - upon a nearby listed building.
0:06:57 > 0:06:59- This is an ideal site.
0:07:00 > 0:07:04- Look at this sunshine, - in the middle of winter.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07- Imagine it in summer, - with no shade of any kind.
0:07:08 > 0:07:10- It's south-facing.
0:07:10 > 0:07:12- Yes, I have suffered an injustice...
0:07:13 > 0:07:14- ..as has the whole area.
0:07:15 > 0:07:19- In Llanvapley, it's the objectors - who are feeling let down.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23- The local solar farm - will produce enough electricity...
0:07:24 > 0:07:26- ..to power almost 3,000 homes - for 25 years.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29- The development - is often discussed...
0:07:30 > 0:07:33- ..at the community's - monthly coffee morning.
0:07:34 > 0:07:36- I have mixed feelings.
0:07:36 > 0:07:38- I understand the farmers...
0:07:39 > 0:07:43- ..who effectively see this - as an opportunity to get a pension.
0:07:44 > 0:07:48- But local people - view the development as too big.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52- The reason I'm unhappy...
0:07:52 > 0:07:56- ..is that the solar farm - impacts upon the view.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59- It isn't pretty to look at...
0:07:59 > 0:08:02- ..and this area is very pretty.
0:08:02 > 0:08:06- It's disappointing to see - a solar farm in a place like this.
0:08:07 > 0:08:10- According to Les Taylor, - the local community...
0:08:10 > 0:08:14- ..hasn't been adequately consulted - about the solar farm.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17- The first public meeting - to discuss it...
0:08:17 > 0:08:21- ..wasn't held until after - the planning application was made.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25- Have you considered - that you're being selfish here?
0:08:26 > 0:08:30- That farmers may be finding it hard - to earn a living income...
0:08:30 > 0:08:33- ..and may want to make money - by diversifying...
0:08:33 > 0:08:37- ..yet you object because it affects - your enjoyment of the area?
0:08:38 > 0:08:40- Well, um, yes.
0:08:40 > 0:08:42- All the villagers support farmers.
0:08:43 > 0:08:49- But if the farmers - don't talk to the local people...
0:08:50 > 0:08:56- ..especially when they want to erect - something this huge...
0:08:56 > 0:08:58- ..well, there's something wrong.
0:08:58 > 0:09:02- It's very important - for the agricultural world...
0:09:02 > 0:09:04- ..to talk to local people...
0:09:04 > 0:09:08- ..when they want to create - something new.
0:09:08 > 0:09:12- The landowner didn't wish - to comment about the development.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15- The developers, - who are about to start work...
0:09:16 > 0:09:18- ..say they will - meet the community in May.
0:09:19 > 0:09:23- The question is, - where should we erect solar panels?
0:09:23 > 0:09:29- For me, solar panels - should be on roofs...
0:09:29 > 0:09:34- ..not covering fields like this.
0:09:35 > 0:09:39- William Miles has been farming - in Pembrokeshire all his life.
0:09:39 > 0:09:44- Three years ago, an energy company - made an application on his behalf...
0:09:44 > 0:09:49- ..to erect 37,000 solar panels - on Trecoed Farm near Letterston.
0:09:50 > 0:09:55- This is one of the three fields - where the solar panels should be.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58- It's a little over 50 acres, in all.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01- The council - refused the original application.
0:10:01 > 0:10:06- After an appeal to the government, - planning was granted two years ago.
0:10:06 > 0:10:10- But there are no solar panels - on his land to this day.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12- The problem we're having...
0:10:12 > 0:10:16- ..is getting a connection - through Western Power.
0:10:16 > 0:10:21- Western Power is meant to connect - the solar farm to the national grid.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25- The company's cables - already cross the land.
0:10:25 > 0:10:29- The 33,000 megawatt power line - crosses the farm.
0:10:29 > 0:10:35- That's why they were so happy - with the site in the first place.
0:10:35 > 0:10:39- But Western Power say - they want to upgrade the line...
0:10:39 > 0:10:42- ..and that the company has to pay.
0:10:42 > 0:10:47- In Gisburn, Lancashire, the company - behind the Trecoed scheme...
0:10:47 > 0:10:49- ...is erecting another solar farm.
0:10:50 > 0:10:54- Mark Dickinson - is the head of Energi.
0:10:54 > 0:10:59- He is frustrated by the delays to - the scheme on William Miles's land.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03- We've connected - a number of projects...
0:11:03 > 0:11:08- ..all within the terms stated, - which is normally 12-24 months.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12- That's the typical timeframe - on a written offer.
0:11:12 > 0:11:16- Our other sites have come through - well within that timeframe.
0:11:16 > 0:11:20- Western Power say - that the Pembrokeshire scheme...
0:11:20 > 0:11:23- ..is complicated - to connect to the grid...
0:11:23 > 0:11:27- ..because of the terrain - and the lack of local capacity.
0:11:27 > 0:11:31- But Mark Dickinson says - they knew that three years ago...
0:11:31 > 0:11:35- ..before first offering - to connect the farm to the grid.
0:11:36 > 0:11:40- We've waited long enough, we keep - getting fobbed off and pushed back.
0:11:40 > 0:11:42- The date keeps slipping backwards.
0:11:43 > 0:11:45- Every time - we speak to Western Power...
0:11:45 > 0:11:48- ..it's "We'll do some more studies - and get back to you."
0:11:48 > 0:11:52- Nearly three years on, - we want something better than that.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55- We asked Western Power - for an interview...
0:11:55 > 0:11:59- ..to discuss the development - on William Miles's land...
0:11:59 > 0:12:01- ..but they refused our request.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05- In a statement, - they said that they had connected...
0:12:05 > 0:12:10- ..numerous electricity-generating - schemes across South Wales...
0:12:10 > 0:12:14- ..but that they required major - network improvements in some areas.
0:12:15 > 0:12:17- They added that such improvements...
0:12:17 > 0:12:21- ..require substantial planning - and building work...
0:12:21 > 0:12:23- ..that will take - some years to complete.
0:12:25 > 0:12:29- After the break, the council - that lost out financially...
0:12:29 > 0:12:31- ..because of green energy companies.
0:12:31 > 0:12:34- They made us promises - then didn't deliver.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39- We also ask what is the future - of the solar industry in Wales?
0:12:40 > 0:12:46- The Westminster government - has attacked the renewable sector.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50- No business will invest in these - technologies if they run at a loss.
0:12:51 > 0:12:51- .
0:12:55 > 0:12:55- Subtitles
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0:13:01 > 0:13:03- In Llannon near Llanelli...
0:13:03 > 0:13:08- ..this solar park generates enough - electricity to power 1,200 homes.
0:13:09 > 0:13:13- Phil Williams is Chairman - of Llannon Community Council.
0:13:13 > 0:13:18- In 2012, Kinetica Energy gave - a presentation at the council...
0:13:18 > 0:13:21- ..on the benefits of solar farms.
0:13:21 > 0:13:25- They came to us - to ask for support to build it.
0:13:25 > 0:13:30- We did that on condition that - they gave us a community benefit.
0:13:31 > 0:13:32- With such plans...
0:13:33 > 0:13:36- ..developers can offer - a payment to the local community.
0:13:36 > 0:13:40- According to Phil Williams, the - council were initially offered...
0:13:41 > 0:13:45- ..7,500 a year every year - for 20 years by Kinetica Energy.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48- But the company - then adjusted the offer.
0:13:49 > 0:13:53- They said that instead - of paying 7,500 a year...
0:13:53 > 0:13:57- ..they'd offer 75,000 upfront.
0:13:57 > 0:14:02- In August 2014, a month before - starting to generate electricity...
0:14:02 > 0:14:06- ..Kinetica halved the original offer - to the community council.
0:14:06 > 0:14:10- They now offered 3,000 a year, - over two decades.
0:14:11 > 0:14:15- But six months after the solar farm - started generating electricity...
0:14:15 > 0:14:17- ..there was no sign of the payment.
0:14:17 > 0:14:21- The farm had been built - and we hadn't received any money.
0:14:21 > 0:14:25- So we started - to chase up the community benefit.
0:14:25 > 0:14:29- We've been sending emails...
0:14:30 > 0:14:32- ..since last April.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36- After contacting Kinetica, - the councillors were told...
0:14:36 > 0:14:40- ..that the man they'd been - dealing with had left the company.
0:14:40 > 0:14:42- The solar farm had now been sold.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46- No money would come into - the council's coffers.
0:14:47 > 0:14:53- I was angry that a big company - was making money from these farms.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57- They promised things - but didn't deliver.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00- I went to Kinetica Energy's office - in Cardiff.
0:15:00 > 0:15:04- I wanted an explanation from - the company's managing director...
0:15:04 > 0:15:06- ..on the situation in Llannon.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10- I acknowledge there is - a breakdown in communication...
0:15:10 > 0:15:13- ..between us and the council - - two ways, not just one.
0:15:13 > 0:15:16- We don't own the asset. - From that perspective...
0:15:16 > 0:15:17- You've sold it on.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19- You've sold it on.- - We have. That's what our role is.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23- But you hadn't communicated that - to the community council.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26- No. There was no heads of terms, - no agreement.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28- I communicated - with all the stakeholders.
0:15:28 > 0:15:32- Everyone was aware we were selling.
0:15:32 > 0:15:36- In no uncertain terms it was - communicated what we were doing...
0:15:36 > 0:15:38- ..including the local authority.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41- The company insists - no formal contract...
0:15:41 > 0:15:44- ..was signed between them - and the community council.
0:15:44 > 0:15:46- But according to the councillors...
0:15:46 > 0:15:50- ..Kinetica had promised the money - verbally and in emails.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53- It sounds like - you're washing your hands of this.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56- You made an agreement - with the community council...
0:15:56 > 0:15:59- ..so you wouldn't get any local - objection.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02- Once it's passed and built, - you forget about them.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05- There was, as far as I'm concerned, - no live heads of terms.
0:16:05 > 0:16:10- Washing our hands? There's no legal - obligation but there's a moral one.
0:16:10 > 0:16:12- It's one we took seriously.
0:16:12 > 0:16:16- That's why after disposing - of the project to a third party...
0:16:16 > 0:16:20- ..our company went and funded - the solar installation...
0:16:20 > 0:16:23- ..which the community - will benefit from for 20 years.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27- The company has now agreed - to install solar panels...
0:16:27 > 0:16:30- ..on the roof of the community hall - owned by the council.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34- The council will save money - on powering the building...
0:16:34 > 0:16:37- ..and will receive - government subsidies...
0:16:37 > 0:16:40- ..for the electricity - the panels generate.
0:16:40 > 0:16:44- But Phil Williams says that will be - far less than the 75,000 offer.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46- Reluctantly, I accepted.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50- I didn't think - we'd receive the money anyway.
0:16:50 > 0:16:55- We've accepted the offer - as a sort of second choice.
0:16:55 > 0:16:59- This isn't the first time - that Llannon Community Council...
0:16:59 > 0:17:01- ..has failed to get their hands...
0:17:01 > 0:17:04- ..on money they expected - from a solar scheme.
0:17:04 > 0:17:08- In 2011, this solar farm - received planning permission...
0:17:08 > 0:17:11- ..on the site - of the old Cynheidre Colliery.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15- In a community meeting - to discuss the plan...
0:17:15 > 0:17:18- ..a representative - on behalf of Walters Group...
0:17:19 > 0:17:22- ..said the council could receive - a gift worth 70,000...
0:17:22 > 0:17:24- ..if the solar farm was built.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27- But within a year, - Walters Group got in touch again.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30- They said that changes - to government subsidies...
0:17:30 > 0:17:33- ..meant the payment - had to be reduced dramatically...
0:17:33 > 0:17:35- ..to one payment of 2,000.
0:17:35 > 0:17:40- The community council still hasn't - received a penny from the company.
0:17:40 > 0:17:42- Walters Group only own the land.
0:17:42 > 0:17:46- Another company, - Lightsource Renewable Energy...
0:17:46 > 0:17:48- ..own the solar farm.
0:17:48 > 0:17:52- They're the ones responsible - for paying the community council.
0:17:53 > 0:17:58- Lightsource told us they paid 2,000 - to Carmarthenshire County Council...
0:17:58 > 0:18:01- ..last November - to split with the community council.
0:18:01 > 0:18:05- Carmarthenshire County Council - confirmed that to us.
0:18:06 > 0:18:10- But five years after the solar farm - received planning permission...
0:18:11 > 0:18:14- ..Llannon community council - still hasn't benefited.
0:18:16 > 0:18:20- Phil Williams now feels that strict - and clear regulations are needed...
0:18:20 > 0:18:25- ..to ensure communities benefit - when solar farms come to their area.
0:18:26 > 0:18:30- I think it's a good idea for - the government to look into it...
0:18:31 > 0:18:35- ..to see if they can do anything - legal to force them to do it.
0:18:35 > 0:18:39- We took Phil Williams' complaint - to the government...
0:18:39 > 0:18:44- ..and asked what were councils' - rights in situations like this.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47- In a statement, - the Welsh Government...
0:18:47 > 0:18:51- ..said there was nothing - they could do to force companies...
0:18:51 > 0:18:54- ..to keep to promises - made to the local community.
0:18:54 > 0:18:58- They encourage - renewable energy developers...
0:18:58 > 0:19:02- ..to consider best practice - in terms of community inclusion...
0:19:03 > 0:19:05- ..and community benefits - arrangements.
0:19:05 > 0:19:09- However, such arrangements - are voluntary.
0:19:10 > 0:19:14- They also emphasized - that Westminster...
0:19:14 > 0:19:17- ..is responsible - for solar energy subsidies...
0:19:17 > 0:19:21- ..and that they'd been cut - significantly over recent years.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24- Kinetica say - that this is what's led...
0:19:24 > 0:19:28- ..to having to change terms with - community councils like Llannon.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33- The exposure to Kinetica - was one of funding a scheme...
0:19:34 > 0:19:37- ..we weren't sure was going to be - subsidised by the government.
0:19:37 > 0:19:40- On that basis, - we adjusted what we were doing.
0:19:40 > 0:19:42- That's a problem for your company...
0:19:42 > 0:19:45- ..not the community council - who believed they had an agreement.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49- It's a problem for the industry. - Therein lies the distinction.
0:19:49 > 0:19:53- This isn't just about developers. - We're not rapacious developers.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56- We work with stakeholders, - of which the local council is one.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59- There were others involved, - all of which are happy.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02- I take your point and what - needs to be distinguished here...
0:20:03 > 0:20:06- ..is that the government has moved - the goalposts on the industry...
0:20:07 > 0:20:08- ..and on developers like us.
0:20:09 > 0:20:13- In Cardiff Bay, some are calling - for energy policy to be devolved.
0:20:13 > 0:20:14- Llyr Gruffydd...
0:20:14 > 0:20:18- ..sits on the Environment - and Sustainability Committee there.
0:20:18 > 0:20:21- He says - that Cardiff Bay politicians...
0:20:21 > 0:20:25- ..have a different mindset - regarding green energy schemes.
0:20:25 > 0:20:27- The Westminster government...
0:20:27 > 0:20:31- ..has basically - attacked the renewables sector...
0:20:31 > 0:20:34- ..since winning the General Election - in May.
0:20:34 > 0:20:37- They've cut subsidies - and changed the rules.
0:20:37 > 0:20:43- They, in London, are looking to - invest more in fracking and nuclear.
0:20:43 > 0:20:45- In my view, these methods - won't allow us...
0:20:45 > 0:20:50- ..to fulfil our climate change and - environmental obligations in Wales.
0:20:50 > 0:20:54- But the North Wales Assembly Member - says that solar farms...
0:20:55 > 0:20:59- ..can be an important part - of the energy mix in Wales.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02- Every industry - has to be self-sufficient.
0:21:02 > 0:21:06- At the moment, no energy sector - - nuclear or whatever...
0:21:07 > 0:21:10- ..is free from relying on subsidies.
0:21:10 > 0:21:14- From providing subsidies, - you allow that technology...
0:21:14 > 0:21:17- ..to become more commonplace - and affordable.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21- If energy was devolved to Cardiff - Bay, would you be in favour...
0:21:22 > 0:21:25- ..of increasing subsidies - for solar schemes?
0:21:25 > 0:21:28- I'd be in favour of creating - a financial framework...
0:21:28 > 0:21:31- ..which allows these projects - to be sustainable.
0:21:32 > 0:21:33- No community or business...
0:21:34 > 0:21:37- ..will invest in these technologies - if they run at a loss.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41- We asked for an interview...
0:21:41 > 0:21:45- ..with the Secretary of State - for Energy and Climate Change...
0:21:45 > 0:21:49- ..in Westminster to respond to - criticism regarding subsidy cuts.
0:21:49 > 0:21:51- But Amber Rudd wasn't available.
0:21:51 > 0:21:52- In a statement...
0:21:52 > 0:21:56- ..a spokesperson said that - the government is fighting hard...
0:21:56 > 0:22:00- ..to keep energy bills low - for businesses and families.
0:22:00 > 0:22:04- The statement says that - the Conservative Government...
0:22:04 > 0:22:07- ..supports - the low-carbon energy industry...
0:22:07 > 0:22:11- ..but that the industry had to be - driven by competition not subsidies.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15- Despite the cuts to subsidies, - in Monmouthshire...
0:22:15 > 0:22:19- ..the plan to build a solar farm - is afoot.
0:22:19 > 0:22:24- Here, 38,000 panels will generate - electricity for 25 years.
0:22:25 > 0:22:29- I support renewable energy, - of course I do.
0:22:30 > 0:22:35- I want to see - farmers and developers...
0:22:35 > 0:22:37- ..creating a small solar park.
0:22:38 > 0:22:43- Not a huge solar park like here.
0:22:43 > 0:22:47- In Pembrokeshire, the future - of the Trecoed solar farm...
0:22:47 > 0:22:51- ..is in the hands of Energi, - Western Power and the National Grid.
0:22:51 > 0:22:53- William Miles isn't sure...
0:22:53 > 0:22:55- ..if there's a future for the plan - on his fields.
0:22:56 > 0:22:57- It's frustrating.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00- It's no more frustrating...
0:23:01 > 0:23:04- ..than for every farmer - in this situation.
0:23:05 > 0:23:07- It's worse for local farmers...
0:23:07 > 0:23:10- ..with the price of milk - and all produce going down.
0:23:10 > 0:23:14- Everyone's looking - for something to do outside farming.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17- In Gwynedd - is another disappointed farmer.
0:23:17 > 0:23:23- Navitas says they won't appeal - against the council's decision...
0:23:23 > 0:23:26- ..to turn down the solar farm - near Penygroes.
0:23:26 > 0:23:31- So the sun has set - on the plans on Dafydd Jones' land.
0:23:31 > 0:23:35- It was a very good project - to save the environment.
0:23:35 > 0:23:36- Doing our bit.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40- If everyone did their bit, - the world would be a better place.
0:23:55 > 0:23:57- S4C Subtitles by Testun Cyf.
0:23:57 > 0:23:57- .