Residents living in and around Bute Energy’s Twyn Hywel Energy Park are being encouraged to apply to become members of a local panel to guide how community benefit funding of £704,000 a year is shared in the area.
The fund, developed by Bute Energy, will support a wide range of initiatives such as community facilities, environmental projects, skills and education, wellbeing activities, and local sustainability projects.
The roles are voluntary, and offer a once in a generation opportunity to shape the future of the community by influencing positive, long‑term impact including elevating existing initiatives, and sparking new ideas.
The fund has the potential to transform the places, spaces, experiences, and the lives of those nearby.
Applications for up to 12 local panel members are now open to people over the age of 18 who live local to Twyn Hywel Energy Park, are passionate about their community and how it serves generations to come. No previous experience is required, as guidance and support will be provided from the team at Bute Energy and its expert Trustees. Those interested can apply by post, online, or in person by getting in touch with Bute Energy’s team.
Corporate Trustee representative Catryn Newton, said “Local people know their community best. By joining the panel, residents can play a part in helping to fund projects that will have the biggest impact in their area.
“Over the last six years, we’ve worked closely with the community to ensure we’ve got a head start in understanding the aspirations and challenges of the people who live near our energy parks. Soon, Caerphilly and areas of RCT will get the chance to see the ideas, local knowledge and aspirations of their charities, community groups and volunteers, become reality.”
Significant investment by Bute Energy is already laying the foundations for legacy building. From backing world champion boxer and community champion Lauren Price, funding women’s football, young farmers and netball teams, and creating a dedicated Youth Advisory board, it’s testament to the renewable firm’s long term commitment and drive to represent the aspirations of current, and future generations.
Matt Bateman, Chairperson, Senghenydd RFC is thrilled with these new grant opportunities. He said: “This funding represents an exciting chance for Senghenydd RFC to secure support that can deliver real, long‑term benefits. More importantly, the impact goes far beyond the club itself. These opportunities have the potential to strengthen our entire community, bringing people together, creating new opportunities, and supporting positive outcomes for individuals and families across the area.
“We sincerely hope this grant will help us build a brighter, stronger future for Senghenydd and the Aber Valley as a whole, leaving a lasting legacy and making our community an even better place for generations to come.”