What steps is the Minister taking to support small scale renewable energy projects and associated micro grids, particularly in rural communities?
We are actively supporting local energy systems. The Welsh Government Energy Service (WGES), our Smart Living Programme and our funding of Community Energy Wales (CEW) all provide support for the development of new models for local energy systems. Some specific examples include:
- WGES provided development officer support and funding to Partneriaeth Ogwen in North Wales to construct Hydro Ogwen and pilot the Energy Local concept in Bethesda.
- The Smart Living programme is supporting a local energy market demonstrator project in South Cornelly, Bridgend County Borough Council. The programme is also supporting several local and community level hydrogen feasibility and demonstration projects across Wales.
- CEW supported the Bethesda Energy Local pilot and are helping to roll out the Energy Local model to other communities in Wales.
We are also supporting all areas of Wales to create detailed local energy plans by March 2024. Local area energy plans will identify the changes needed to the local energy system, to decarbonise heat and local transport and realise opportunities for local renewable energy production. This provides opportunity to further explore local energy systems and the potential for micro grids at scale across Wales.