Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has published a practical guide to help communities, schools, public sector organisations and local authorities develop renewable energy projects that bring benefits to local people.
The Public Building Decarbonisation “How To” Guide was developed through the council’s involvement in the Welsh Government-funded Whole Systems Research and Innovation for Decarbonisation (WSRID) Programme.
It draws on work in Rhondda Cynon Taf exploring how renewable energy generated locally can be used locally, with the aim of reducing carbon emissions, improving energy security and keeping more economic benefits within communities.
As part of the programme, the council looked at how different renewable energy technologies could work together as a connected local energy system. That included exploring a proposed micro-hydropower scheme in Clydach Vale, alongside solar panels, battery storage, low-carbon heating and opportunities to share energy locally.
The findings have been brought together in a guide intended to help organisations across Wales plan and deliver similar projects. It covers identifying suitable public buildings, understanding local energy demand, finding generation opportunities, overcoming electricity grid challenges, reducing carbon emissions from heating, developing local energy systems and energy sharing arrangements, and maximising benefits for local communities.
Councillor Ros Davis, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Resources, Customer and Energy, said: “We are committed to supporting Wales’ journey towards a lower-carbon future while ensuring local communities benefit from the opportunities this creates.
“This new guide shares the lessons learned through our work in Rhondda Cynon Taf and provides practical support for organisations looking to develop renewable energy projects of their own.
“By generating and using more renewable energy locally, we can help reduce carbon emissions, strengthen energy resilience and create benefits that stay within our communities.”
The guide is designed to help organisations move from planning to delivery and support the development of a more sustainable and resilient local energy system across Wales.
