The new Renewable Energy Route Map, launched yesterday, will enable Wales to move towards becoming a low-carbon energy economy, according to the Welsh assembly government.Jane Davidson, minister for environment, sustainability and housing, claimed that the programme will help create "a Wales that is lean, green and clean".She added: "Our small country is already taking steps on the road towards a low carbon energy economy."Ms Davidson also suggested that the country could become self-sufficient in renewable electricity within the next 20 years if its natural resources are exploited successfully.The proposals set out in the Renewable Energy Route Map include further exploration of Welsh rivers to evaluate the potential for hydroelectric power generation, as well as changes to planning guidelines to simplify the process of installing wind turbines and solar panels on residential homes.Meanwhile, the Daily Post reported today that all new-build homes in Wales will be constructed to carbon-neutral standards by 2011.It is estimated that this change could reduce the country's carbon dioxide emissions by three per cent each year.
