Green energy projects across Wales will share over £12.9m to
support their efforts towards generating local renewable energy.
From installing solar panels and heat pumps to battery storage
and electric vehicle charging points, the 48 successful projects
will help ensure the transition to clean energy directly benefits
Welsh communities.
The Ynni Cymru Capital Grant Scheme aims to accelerate the
deployment of Smart Local Energy Systems (SLES) and is a key part
of Wales' ambitious goal to generate 100% of its electricity from
renewable sources by 2035.
SLES have wide-ranging benefits including the potential to reduce
energy costs, create local jobs and build more resilient energy
infrastructure for local communities.
They can be delivered by community energy organisations, social
enterprises, public sector bodies, and SMEs developing innovative
local energy projects.
Successful projects in this round include over £910,000 for the
Wales Millennium Centre to invest in solar panels, a new battery
energy storage system, EV chargers and solar thermal for hot
water – with energy savings expected to be reinvested into the
community, and almost £750,000 for Coleg Cambria towards creating
a low carbon learning hub and energy-efficient building.
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, , said:
“We're putting communities at the heart of Wales' clean energy
transition and I'm grateful to organisations for bringing forward
their innovative proposals.
“There is clearly an appetite for energy systems that keep the
benefits within our communities, and I'm delighted we are able to
support so many quality projects.
“Smarter, cleaner energy generation will have wide-ranging
benefits and importantly, a positive impact on people all across
Wales.”
To see how previous grants have transformed local energy systems,
the Cabinet Secretary visited South Cornelly in Bridgend where
Challoch Energy Ltd and the South Cornelly Renewable Energy
Community Interest Company (SCRE-CIC) partnered to create the
South Cornelly Local Energy Market.
Solar panels, battery storage and smart controls have been added
to over 50 homes, allowing everyone in the village to benefit
from lower cost renewable electricity being generated on local
rooftops with residents able to save 20-50% on their energy bills
as a result.
Managing Director of Challoch Energy, Dr Simon Minett, said:
“Our partnership with SCRE-CIC has been a great success with the
residents of the village keen to join the journey towards
decarbonisation, cost reductions, and the ability to take control
of their energy requirements.
“The Ynni Cymru grant support last year was the catalyst of
change and is the first major step in creating the smart local
energy system to benefit all residents. We think this is a
blueprint for other Welsh rural communities to be inspired by.”
