Milford Mercury | Local News, Sport & Entertainment

County gas levels sky high

From the archive, first published Thursday 2nd Feb 2006.

DESPITE its glorious scenery and golden beaches, Pembrokeshire is Wales' second worst area for producing climate-changing gases, a Government report says.

According to the Department for Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) report - compiled in 2003 - Pembrokeshire produces 4,376,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year.

That places Pembrokeshire second only to Neath Port Talbot. Pembrokeshire's figures are also substantially higher than neighbouring counties Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion, which emit 1,697,000 and 605,000 tonnes per year respectively.

Friends of the Earth Wales, who unearthed the figures, fear the situation could get even worse as the two LNG developments come on line.

FoE have already opposed the proposed power station at Pembroke on grounds that it will be too wasteful of energy.

Pembrokeshire FoE spokesman Gordon James said: "The high level of carbon dioxide emissions in Pembrokeshire will surprise many as it is totally at odds with the green image of the county that makes it such an attractive place for visitors.

"It is also an unacceptable contribution to climate change and much more needs to be done to reduce these emissions."

FoE said that the DEFRA figures - the first time Co2 levels were estimated at a local authority level - were almost identical to a study carried out by the now-defunct Pembrokeshire Energy Agency in 2003.

That report concluded that the Total and Texaco refineries were top of the Co2 league, producing around three-quarters of total emissions.

Energy use in homes and transport made up much of the remainder. Mr James added: "We believe that the oil refineries should do more to improve energy efficiency in order to reduce the high levels of carbon dioxide that arise from their operations. These measures would also improve competitiveness and help to safeguard jobs."

Mr James said Pembrokeshire County Council should also take a lead in reducing emissions.

"We would like to see the county council use the Local Development Plan process to promote higher standards of efficiency in buildings, require land-use patterns that reduce the need to travel by car and promote renewable energy use.

"The amount of electricity generated by renewable sources, such as wind, water or solar power is negligible in Pembrokeshire. By comparison, neighbouring Ceredigion obtains over 80% of its electricity from wind energy and hydro power."

Texaco hit back

Responding to the Friends of the Earth comments, Texaco said its Pembroke refinery takes environmental responsibilities very seriously.

A spokesman told the Mercury: "It was one of the first refineries in the UK to produce lead-free fuel and most recently it invested over £40 million to produce sulphur-free fuels, helping to improve air quality across the globe.

"With regards to the local environment, Pembrokeshire County Council undertakes a regular, on-going air quality monitoring programme and has never reported any air quality issues relating to our facilities. Emission levels produced by the industrial sector make up only a small percentage of total UK emissions."

The spokesman said Chevron was committed to reducing greenhouse gases, increasing energy efficiency, improving technologies and supporting "economically sound polices that protect the Environment."

Total carbon emissions (000's): Neath Port Talbot: 6,265 Pembrokeshire: 4,376 Flintshire: 2,828 Cardiff: 2,291 Newport: 1,995 -------------- Wales: 36,163 --------------

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