An innovative community energy project going live in Llandysul area during COP26
In the Ceredigion market town of Llandysul, an innovative renewable energy project is being launched this week, to coincide with the COP26 conference which seeks to tackle the global climate crisis. Energy Local Llandysul is a unique energy club that matches the production of local renewable energy to local energy use, saving residents money and supporting local renewables.
Energy Local Llandysul said:
‘We are basically asking local people, ‘do you want your energy to be clean, green, local and reasonably priced?”. This is what having an Energy Local Club can attain in Llandysul. We want to replicate what has already been achieved by a number of communities across Wales through using local hydro energy, but in our case to draw on locally produced solar power.’
Picture right: The solar array in Pont-Tyweli that will be supplying renewable energy to Energy Local Llandysul
The club will be working with a solar energy project owned by a local couple in Pont-Tyweli. By matching up the energy used by club members homes with this source, club members estimate that, although each household energy use is different, it would be possible to save between 10-30% on electricity bills. The project in Llandysul follows a successful trial in Bethesda, Gwynedd, that received national media attention, as well as similar projects across Wales from Corwen to Crickhowell.
Ynni Sir Gâr, who are supporting the development of this project, have been working with locals to collect initial households and businesses ready to switch over to the club, and are helping to find more members to take advantage of the schemes benefits and contribute towards a green local economy.
Neil Lewis, Energy Local Manager said:
‘This is a great opportunity for the community in Llandysul and the district, to join in with an innovative project to use and support locally generated renewable energy, whilst also potentially cutting their energy bills. This could also lead on to further renewable energy projects in the area, ensuring that the community get to benefit and contribute towards a more sustainable energy future. It is pertinent, during the talks ongoing in COP26 in Glasgow where we call on world leaders to act on climate change, that Llandysul and other rural communities across Wales are leading the way with such positive and innovative answers to renewable energy transitions. It is also of current importance due to recent energy price hikes. Energy Local projects could be the answer to ensure the most affordable energy to our most vulnerable communities.’
If you live in Llandysul and are interested in this initiative, the Energy Local Club are still accepting members. You can read more and register your interest by visiting the Energy Local website here: Energy Local Llandysul.
A sister project in Capel Dewi is also in the process of being launched, and you can read more about them here: Energy Local Capel Dewi.
Notes for Editors
- For further information and requests for interviews: Jane O’Brien, Energy Local Coordinator: 07968748358/jane@ynnisirgar.org | Neil Lewis, Ynni Sir Gar Manager, 07970479802/neil@ynnisirgar.org
- More images available on request
- More info on Ynni Sir Gar here: www.carmarthenshireenergy.org
- Video about the first Energy Local Club in Wales (Bethesda, Gwynedd) here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=10&v=QteRUCPFGWI
- Energy Local CIC have developed the Energy Local business model which helps communities match their electricity use with locally generated electricity. It enables people to take control of their electricity bills whilst supporting local renewable energy. For a full list of current and soon to be launched groups across Wales: https://energylocal.org.uk/clubs
- The project is in partnership with Octopus Energy, the renewable energy supplier.