Welsh Conservatives seek farmland solar panel ban

The Welsh Conservatives have called for a ban on solar panels on agricultural land, urging the government to review its solar energy policy.

The motion will be discussed in the Senedd on Wednesday (11 June) and is further calling on the Welsh government to put measures in place that secure a sustainable energy future while protecting agricultural land.

The Welsh government has set a target for Wales to meet 100% of its electricity needs from renewables by 2035, and aims to reach net zero by 2050.

See also: Opinion: Why solar panels belong on farm roofs, not farmland

“Diversification – such as solar installations – can help to increase the viability of rural enterprises, but Planning Policy Wales clearly states the best and most versatile agricultural land should be conserved as a finite resource for the future,” the Welsh government said.

However, the Welsh Conservatives say a cohesive solar energy strategy is needed, which ensures the development of renewable energy infrastructure in a way that supports Wales’ climate goals while protecting its agricultural heritage.

“It is essential we do all we can to protect our assets, and that includes safeguarding fertile farmland from being paved over for solar panels,” said Samuel Kurtz MS, Welsh Conservative shadow secretary for economy, energy and rural affairs.

He added that, while securing Wales’ energy future is important, it must not come at the expense of agricultural land.

“Undermining farming in this way threatens food security and rural livelihoods,” said Mr Kurtz.

Renewable Cymru has suggested Wales could deliver 17.9GW of installed renewable capacity, but all forms of renewable energy generation must be scaled up to meet future needs.

The Farmers’ Union of Wales added that while it has always been supportive of appropriate renewable energy generation on farms, it mustn’t undermine food production.

Speaking to Farmers Weekly, a spokesperson said both the UK and Welsh governments must step up efforts that restore growth in the industry, and barriers must be removed to boost agriculture’s contribution to Wales’ energy security.

“But most importantly, this must be done without undermining our food production capacity or damaging our rural communities,” the spokesperson said.