The South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee (SWWCJC) has welcomed significant Ynni Cymru grant funding for two renewable energy projects in the region, marking another important step towards increasing locally generated, community-focused energy. The investment will help expand renewable energy generation, strengthen local energy resilience and deliver long-term economic and environmental benefits for communities across South West Wales - https://www.gov.wales/ynni-cymru-capital-grants-awarded.
The awards include support for the Renewable Power Pembrokeshire project in Pembroke Dock, which secured £997,566 towards the development of a 750kW solar installation and 400kW battery storage facility. The Ynni Sir Gâr project at the Xcel Bowl in Carmarthen also received £233,032 to deliver a 200kW rooftop solar installation, alongside a heat pump and 75kW battery storage system.
The projects are among a number of successful initiatives supported through the Welsh Government's Ynni Cymru programme and demonstrate the growing pipeline of renewable energy opportunities emerging across South West Wales. Both these schemes benefit from regional collaboration and support to help develop project concepts, build partnerships and progress funding applications.
Cllr Hodgson, Chair of the SWWCJC Economic Development Sub-Committee, said:
"Securing this investment is excellent news for South West Wales and demonstrates what can be achieved when partners work together around shared regional priorities.
Renewable energy presents a significant opportunity not only to support our net zero ambitions, but also to strengthen local energy resilience, attract investment and create lasting benefits for our communities. These projects show how a regional approach can help turn ambition into delivery and build a strong pipeline of opportunities for the future.
We look forward to seeing these schemes move into delivery and the positive impact they will have for local communities and the wider regional economy."
The SWWCJC Energy Team played an active role in identifying, developing and championing the opportunities, working closely with local authority and community energy delivery partners to bring forward investable projects capable of attracting external funding. This forms part of a wider programme of work to support delivery of the Regional Energy Strategy and accelerate renewable energy deployment across the region.
Chris Owen, Chief Operating Officer of the SWWCJC said:
"We are delighted to see these projects secure Ynni Cymru funding and congratulate the partners involved. These awards reflect strong regional collaboration to develop renewable energy projects that attract investment and deliver lasting benefits for communities across South West Wales."
The success of the Renewable Power Pembrokeshire project is particularly significant as it is the first project to emerge from the region's Innovate UK-funded ‘Industrial Decarbonisation Powered by Communities’ Launchpad. The programme brought together local authority, business and community partners to identify opportunities for locally generated and stored energy to meet local demand, reducing costs for businesses while benefiting local communities.
The funding announcement highlights the growing maturity of the region's renewable energy pipeline and the benefits of sustained regional collaboration between local authorities, community stakeholders and delivery partners. By identifying opportunities early, supporting project development and helping partners access investment, the region is creating a stronger platform for future energy, economic and community outcomes.
As these projects move into delivery, the SWWCJC will continue to work with local authorities, community energy companies and wider stakeholders to maximise the benefits of renewable energy investment across South West Wales, support the development of future opportunities and help deliver the region's long-term economic, environmental and energy ambitions.
For further information visit https://southwestcjc.gov.wales/ or contact info@southwestcjc.gov.wales