Centrica, which invited communities and entrepreneurs in Wales to apply for a grant of up to £100,000 from its Energy for Tomorrow social impact fund for initiatives that can deliver affordable, accessible and sustainable energy solutions to help tackle climate change, has unveiled that four projects in Wales will receive a total of almost £300,000.
The grants were awarded based on the impact the projects would have on the community, their feasibility and innovation, the quality of the concept and the opportunity for Centrica colleagues to lend their support.
The funding recipients attended a roundtable hosted by Centrica in Cardiff last week to learn more about the innovation that is already taking place in Wales and discuss how Centrica can work to support communities on their journey towards net zero.
Sarah Wright, EfT’s Programme Manager, said: “Tackling climate change is a job that requires everyone to work together, with each of us doing our bit to bring solutions both big and small to the table. The Energy for Tomorrow funding that has been awarded to these four projects in Wales will help organisations that are working at the heart of communities to scale up their ideas and initiatives to make a real difference in people’s lives so that we can continue to push for a sustainable future for all.”
The event was hosted by Senedd Climate Change Committee Chair, Llyr Gruffydd, who said: “The projects being supported by Centrica demonstrate the level of innovation taking place in Welsh communities today, addressing the challenges of both climate change and the cost of living crisis. It’s clear to see that communities play a big part in helping us meet our national targets while supporting those that are in fuel poverty.”
The successful projects included:
Boomerang Cardiff, a homelessness/poverty charity that works with the community to support/prevent homelessness, poverty, critical living conditions and social isolation who are looking to create a new modular community village that will house a community café, community workshops and training spaces offering employment skills. This will be powered by solar panels installed on the roofs of the surrounding industrial units.
Paul Gwilym, Founder of Boomerang, said: “Boomerang are delighted to have this opportunity to work with Energy for Tomorrow on a project designed to support the community in many different ways.”
Cwmni Bro Antur Aelhaern, a social enterprise supporting the village of Llanaelhaearn and the surrounding area will receive funding to install solar panels and a battery to their community hall, GP surgery and the neighbouring chapel which is being redeveloped as a community asset.
Llyr Rhisiart, Chair of Cwmni Bro Antur Aelhaearn, said: “Cwmni Bro Antur Aelhaearn are delighted that we have been accepted as a recipient of the Energy for Tomorrow programme grant and are excited about the difference it will make for our community. Our aim is to make our community buildings more energy-efficient spaces, acting as an example to other local communities on what can be achieved. We are also looking to use our engagement with the community to help them to be more energy-efficient and take advantage of funding available.”
Energy for Tomorrow funding will also support a village primary school in the Vale of Glamorgan who are planning to build a solar pagoda which will allow them to generate their own energy whilst being able to demonstrate to students and parents the benefits of renewable energy and the importance of helping to tackle climate change.
The final project supported will allow an Energy Warden to support residents in Blaenau Ffestiniog with energy and debt advice over the next 3 years. The Energy Warden will also be co-ordinating a proposed new community hydro scheme project which will see local homes benefitting from locally produced energy.
