Welsh communities are set to benefit from a share of £10 million
to generate local renewable energy and reduce energy bills.
The Welsh Government today announced the third round of the Ynni
Cymru Grant Capital Scheme for 2026-27 which opens for
applications this month.
The scheme deploys Smart Local Energy Systems (SLES) - helping
communities use clean energy to cut costs, create jobs and build
stronger local infrastructure.
This can include installing solar panels, heat pumps, EV charging
points and battery storage, and is open to community energy
organisations, social enterprises, public sector bodies and SMEs.
It builds on the success of two previous rounds of Ynni Cymru
funding, which has supported 78 projects across Wales with £22.9m
investment.
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning,
said:
"This £10 million investment puts communities in control of their
energy future. From city leisure centres to rural community
halls, smart local energy systems are cutting bills, reducing
emissions and protecting vital services.
"After this round of funding opens, we will have invested more
than £32 million in total to transform community energy in Wales,
helping more communities than ever to generate their own clean
energy. Our investment is delivering real change — making Wales
greener, stronger and ready for the future."
Cardiff-based charity Boomerang, which supports and prevents
homelessness, poverty, and social isolation, was awarded £150,000
through the scheme last year.
They are decarbonising four industrial units by fitting air
source heat pumps, battery storage, and EV chargers linked to an
existing rooftop solar system, and plan to power ten repurposed
shipping containers with clean energy.
The containers will form a community village with a café, charity
shops, training rooms, and startup spaces.
The completed SLES is expected to save 70% of the charity's
electricity costs and has already removed fossil fuels from the
site entirely.
Founder and CEO of Boomerang Cardiff, Paul Gwilym
said:
“Ynni Cymru is not just an energy grant, it is an investment in
community resilience. At Boomerang Cardiff we have seen firsthand
how rising energy costs place enormous pressure on charities and
the families we support.
“By investing in renewable infrastructure, we are reducing our
overheads, protecting frontline services, and reinvesting
thousands of pounds every month back into direct community
support.
“This funding strengthens our long-term sustainability, supports
Wales's green ambitions, and ensures that every pound saved on
utilities goes straight back into helping children, families and
individuals who need us most.”
Notes to editors
Applications for the third round of the Ynni Cymru Grant Capital
Scheme open on the 26 March 2026. Ynni Cymru | GOV.WALES
Support is available to organisations in Wales, including:
- community enterprises and third sector organisations
- public sector organisations
- small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
Total investment - £32.9m
- - £22.9m from funding rounds one and two
- - £10m from funding round three
