£8 million for community renewables in Wales

Over £8million will be made available to help community organisations in Wales invest in new technology to generate clean, renewable energy, Environment Minister Jane Davidson has announced.
Ms Davidson made the announcement during a visit to the Cwmclydach Development Trust in Rhondda Cynon Taf, where a project is being developed to generate electricity from hydropower, as it as an example of the type of initiative that will be eligible for the new grant. It is hoped the project will generate income to support the sustainability of the centre from which the Trust operates.

The Welsh Assembly Government initiative is backed with over £7 million from the EU’s European Regional Development Fund and will generate an investment of £15m.

The Community Scale Renewable Energy Generation project will provide finance of £100k to £300k per project to support the development of community based renewable energy schemes such as wind, biomass and hydro power.

The funding will enable around 22 new and existing social enterprises to install innovative technology to generate electricity which they can then use or sell to the National Grid, or even to their communities, providing an on-going source of income.

The jobs created will support the social enterprises established through the scheme.

In addition, around 135 small grants of up to £3,000 will be available to help communities to undertake feasibility studies into potential renewable energy schemes followed by 35 grants of up to £20,000 to help them develop their projects.

The investment will also focus on addressing the skills needed in the labour market to sustain a low carbon economy and the employment opportunities resulting from installing, maintaining and managing renewable energy technology.

Ms Davidson said:

“It is an integral part of our One Wales agenda to cut carbon emissions and invest in the development of locally based renewable energy solutions.

“The Community Scale Renewable Energy Generation project will help realise this ambition, driving forward the way in which social enterprises can harness the opportunities presented by generating their own electricity using technologies that produce lower carbon emissions.

“This will benefit these organisations through reduced fuel costs as well as provide the opportunity to secure a sustainable income which can be used to employ staff, provide energy efficiency and fuel poverty advice, as well as other vital services, to their communities.”

Projects to take part in the scheme will be identified by Development officers who will scope out prospective schemes and provide advice and support on the type of projects eligible for support.

Helen Northmore, Head of the Energy Saving Trust Wales said:

“The Community Scale Renewable Energy Generation project in Wales will provide a great deal of support to community groups. The programme will allow community groups to generate renewable electricity in their area, helping communities reduce their emissions and tackle climate change. The support on hand from the Development Officers and the grant funding available will be invaluable to the community groups and it will provide the support network they need from the initial outset to fully establishing themselves as a social enterprise to installing the technology.

“No other programme in Wales offers this level of support and the benefits to communities across Wales will be invaluable.”

The Energy Saving Trust (EST) will manage the project on behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government.

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