The Welsh Government has launched a new publicly-owned energy company for Wales to expand community-owned renewable energy generation in Wales.
Ynni Cymru, based at M-SParc, Ynys Mon, is being established as part of the co-operation agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru.
Early scoping work has indicated that a strong opportunity exists for Ynni Cymru to position Wales at the forefront of developing and delivering smarter local energy projects, the government said.
Climate Change Minister Julie James and Plaid Cymru’s Designated Member Siân Gwenllian confirmed that £750,000 has been given to 11 projects in the form of resource grants over the next three years.
These include Cwm Arian for their Heart of Dyfed Power Unlocker project; the Dyffryn Ogwen Gynaladwy project in Bethesda to deliver solar power on community and business buildings in the Ogwen Valley; Ynni Cymunedol Gwrog’s Tanygrisiau heat project; and support to Ynni Newydd Cyfyngedig’s Bretton Hall solar project.
James said: “With the launch of Ynni Cymru we are on our pathway to meet the equivalent of 100% of our annual electricity consumption from renewable electricity by 2035, and to continue to keep pace with consumption thereafter.
“However, to reach this we need a rapid transformation of our energy system.
“The current market-based approach to the energy system is not delivering decarbonisation at the scale or pace necessary for the climate emergency and has not been retaining sufficient benefit in Wales.
“Local use of locally generated energy is an effective way to support net-zero and keep the benefit in our communities.
“Ynni Cymru will complement the great work already being undertaken by the Welsh Government Energy Service and Community Energy Wales, especially around scaling up and increasing the impact of renewable energy assets across Wales.
“We are taking the lead in shaping the energy system to drive Wales towards meeting its Net Zero targets and delivering on Wellbeing goals for a more prosperous future.”
Plaid Cymru Designated Member Siân Gwenllian added: “Ynni Cymru is an ambitious project which aims to give local people and communities control over local resources and renewable energy initiatives.
“As we face multiple challenges of a climate crisis and high energy bills, it is more important than ever that we develop renewable energy projects that have local benefit and ownership as a core aim.
“How we produce and consume energy is an essential part of achieving net zero and establishing Ynni Cymru is a key development in our ambitions.
“We also know that whoever owns energy assets is hugely important.
“Ynni Cymru’s investment in expanding community-owned renewable energy generation will help decarbonise our energy supply with sustainable green energy and directly benefit people who live in those communities.”
Community Energy Wales welcomed the announcement.
Co-executive directors Leanne Wood and Ben Ferguson said: “Community Energy Wales welcomes this announcement and we look forward to our members in the community energy sector working closely with the new energy community body, and the benefits that come from it.
“We have long argued that a just transition to net zero carbon is not possible if it is not possible for local communities to be able to sell their energy directly to local customers.