£12.9 million for Welsh communities to transition to renewable energy

£12.9 million of Welsh Government funding is being used to support Welsh communities to transition to renewable energy.

48 successful projects will share the money from the Ynni Cymru Capital Grant Scheme - including solar panels, heat pumps, battery storage and electric vehicle charging points.

The Grant Scheme aims to accelerate the deployment of Smart Local Energy Systems (SLES) and is a key part of Wales’ goal to generate 100 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2035.

The Wales Millennium Centre will receive over £910,000 to invest in solar panels, a new battery energy storage system, EV chargers and solar thermal for hot water.

Coleg Cambria will receive almost £750,000 to create a low-carbon learning hub and energy-efficient building.

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans 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

She 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."