UK commits £12.9m to 48 community projects to accelerate local renewables

The UK,Wales has awarded £12.9 million to 48 community-led clean energy projects, aiming to expand local generation and cut bills under the Ynni Cymru Capital Grant Scheme. The funding supports the roll-out of Smart Local Energy Systems (SLES) and aligns with the national goal to source 100% of electricity from renewables by 2035.

Backed initiatives span solar PV and solar thermal, heat pumps, battery storage, and EV charging. Notable awards include over £910,000 to the Wales Millennium Centre for solar panels, a new battery energy storage system, EV chargers, and solar thermal for hot water— with savings to be reinvested in community activities— and almost £750,000 to Coleg Cambria to develop a low-carbon learning hub and an energy-efficient building.

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning Rebecca Evans said the scheme keeps benefits “within our communities,” adding that smarter, cleaner generation will deliver wide-ranging social and economic gains.

To showcase earlier results, Evans visited South Cornelly (Bridgend), where Challoch Energy Ltd and the South Cornelly Renewable Energy Community Interest Company (SCRE-CIC) have created the South Cornelly Local Energy Market. More than 50 homes now host solar, batteries, and smart controls, enabling residents to share locally generated power and save 20%–50% on energy bills.

Challoch Energy managing director Dr. Simon Minett added:"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."