1.  For reasons of reliability and flexibility it is sensible to ensure a diversity in the sources of supply of coal to the generating sector. Welsh-mined coal will continue to be an important component of this mix. (Paragraph 13)

2.  We are not convinced that alternative technologies will be able to produce sufficient electricity to fill an anticipated power generation gap of around 22 GW by 2015. Coal-fired power generation will continue to play a valuable and significant leading role. Consequently, UK and Welsh Assembly governments should have a more positive policy approach, which recognises the continued critical importance of Welsh coal in filling the power generation gap at present and into the future. This is not, however, a reason to discourage investment in alternative and renewable technologies. (Paragraph 17)

3.  We believe that there is a good future for the coal mining industry in Wales, given the remaining large reserves of coal and the supply of highly skilled labour. We do not believe in the application of one, set distance for all "buffer zones" between mining sites and housing which would apply to all developments, as each case should be considered on its merits. However, mine owners and operators should take care to engage with local communities and local authorities and be sensitive to their reasonable health and environmental concerns. (Paragraph 26)

4.  We are not convinced by the Department of Trade and Industry's description of open cast projects as "transient". (Paragraph 30) We believe that in cases where areas of ancient woodland may be affected, there is a very real possibility that areas of significant environmental importance - which cannot be re-created or transplanted - will be lost forever. (Paragraph 30)

5.  We recommend that there is a role for Government in working jointly with industry in developing the potential for commercial extraction of coal bed methane, including joint funding for exploration, to establish the likely extent of this resource. (Paragraph 32)

6.  We recommend that the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform work together with the Department for Communities and Local Government and the Health and Safety Executive [Department for Work and Pensions] to explore the future funding arrangements for the Mines Rescue Service so as to protect the extremely valuable work it undertakes and to avoid the disincentive to the coal mining industry of the imposition of a levy on the extraction of coal. (Paragraph 34)

7.  We believe that the collection of below-national-level data is essential in order to underpin the development of policy in this area, and encourage the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform to continue to pursue this aim. (Paragraph 36)

8.  We agree with CAT's assessment that the current price of photovoltaic panels is likely to be a disincentive to their widespread adoption on a domestic scale, and we would support action by both the UK Government and by the Welsh Assembly Government which would stimulate the market - for example, via the planning process - and so lead to a reduction in the price of photovoltaic panels for domestic scale electricity generation. We note the shortage of skilled professionals qualified to install solar panels on roofs, which is likely to inhibit the takeup of this technology and which could be addressed by governments as an aspect of the skills agenda. (Paragraph 41)

9.  We continue to find the level of funding provided by UK Government in support of the Centre for Alternative Technology's WISE (Wales Institute for Sustainable Education) project disappointing, particularly given the Government's aims as set out in its microgeneration strategy. We urge the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform to reconsider the level of financial support it provides for this important project. (Paragraph 43)

10.  We believe that the Government is right to conduct further detailed study of the Severn barrage proposal. Such a scheme has the potential to make a significant contribution to the Government's targets for increasing the percentage of electricity generated by renewables and for reducing CO₂ emissions. However, given the scale of the project and the extent to which it would impact on this environmentally sensitive and highly protected area it is essential that the most careful assessment is undertaken. This should include consideration of the adequacy and financing of any habitat compensation which is required, which would be on an unprecedented scale. A thorough assessment of the possible financing options should be included, as well as the impact which a barrage across the Severn would have on the infrastructure and economies of the regions concerned. (Paragraph 56)

11.  In reiterating the conclusions of our earlier Report of emphasising the importance of climate change and security of supply, we urge the UK and Welsh Assembly governments to develop a more balanced energy mix which fully recognises the continuing importance of Welsh coal to the British electricity supply industry. (Paragraph 57)

12.  The Committee reaffirms its earlier conclusions that a long term future for Welsh coal can be guaranteed, if carbon capture technology is fully exploited and a new generation of skilled Welsh miners can be assured. (Paragraph 58)

13.  The Committee further reaffirms its earlier support for renewables and sustainable energy technologies and urges policy approaches which are more comprehensive and diverse than the apparent over-emphasis on offshore and onshore wind power generation. (Paragraph 59)