Community renewable energy initiatives across Wales are set for an £8 million funding boost.

The Welsh Assembly Government’s new Community Scale Renewable Energy Generation programme aims to support the development of schemes that utilise green energy sources such as wind, biomass and hydro power.

Backed with around £7 million from the European Regional Development Fund, the scheme will offer funding ranging from £100,000 to £300,000 per project.

It is thought that 22 social enterprises will benefit from the fund, which is expected to generate total investment worth £15 million. The electricity generated from the projects can either be used by the groups themselves, or sold onto the National Grid or local communities, providing on on-going source of income.

In addition, 135 million small grants worth £3,000 will be offered for local communities to carry out feasibility studies into potential renewable energy initiatives, with 35 grants worth up to £20,000 available to help develop the most suitable projects.

The fund was announced by Environment Minister Jane Davidson during a visit to the Cwmclydach Development Trust in Rhondda Cynon Taf, where she saw firsthand a project that will generate electricity from hydro power.
She 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.”

The scheme will be delivered on the Assembly’s behalf by the Energy Saving Trust. For further information, contact Paul Smith, Energy Saving Trust Wales’ programme manager, on (029) 2046 8345 or email csreg@est.org.uk