Latest news with #CentreforAlternativeTechnology
Powys County Times
17-07-2025
- Business
- Powys County Times
Powys company launches one of UK's highest solar sites
A renewable energy company in Machynlleth has launched a project believed to be the highest elevated solar panel array in the UK. Bro Dyfi Community Renewables (BDCR), a community-owned energy cooperative from Machynlleth, has officially launched its solar photovoltaic (PV) array, located on Mynydd Glandulas. The ground mounted solar panels are believed to be the highest-elevation ground-mounted solar installation currently operational in the UK. The initial 55kWp of energy generated by the solar array is being routed to the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT), while the remaining 250kWp will be exported to the grid. Mike Phillips, Chair of BDCR's Board, said: 'This solar array is more than just panels and power—it's a symbol of what communities can achieve when they take climate action into their own hands. 'We're proud to be pushing the boundaries of what's possible for community energy in the UK.' Man arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life after Newtown fire Council reveals where in Powys 20mph zones are likely to be scrapped Powys man to be sentenced after admitting supplying cocaine The array's elevated location is designed to maximize solar exposure for the panels, meaning they will get the largest possible amount of sunlight, but also sets what BDCR call 'a new benchmark' for community-owned high-altitude solar generation in the country. The site is located alongside an existing Nordtank wind turbine by BDCR, with the array of solar panels marking a major milestone in the cooperative's mission to generate clean, locally owned energy. The company says the project will boost BDCR's total installed capacity to approximately 875kWp, significantly increasing its contribution to carbon reduction in the Dyfi Valley and beyond. The project was made possible through support from the Welsh Government's Local Energy Grant and Preparatory Grant schemes, which was put together with the Development Bank of Wales, funding from the Mid Wales Community Energy Trust, to support the work of BDCR's volunteer-led team.
South Wales Argus
08-07-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Rusty railway carriage transformed into eco-friendly space
The project is the work of Newport-based architect Spence Gadsby, 32, who launched handcrafted hut business Tŷ Green in early 2023 after securing a £20,000 Start Up Loan from the British Business Bank. Mr Gadsby said: "Every project teaches me something new. "I've gone from constructing moveable huts on wheels to modular garden builds that can be delivered and assembled quickly with workshop-level precision. "It's all about refining the process while staying true to my sustainability goals." Mr Gadsby turned the carriage into a warm, energy-efficient living space using natural, breathable materials. Tŷ Green has completed three major eco-conscious builds so far, with a fourth underway. Mr Gadsby's passion for sustainability was reinforced by a course at the Centre for Alternative Technology in mid-Wales. The £20,000 loan allowed him to secure workshop space and materials for his first project. He uses UK-grown cedar cladding, Welsh sheep wool insulation, and locally milled ash in his designs. His latest build features 100 per cent wool insulation from Wool Insulation Wales and timber from small sawmills such as Coppice & Crown. Demand for his bespoke huts is growing, and he now hopes to expand by hiring support and taking on multiple projects at once. He is also exploring planning permission for an eco-friendly glamping site. Mr Gadsby said: "The Start Up Loan gave me the foundation to get going. "It funded my workshop space and the materials for that all-important first build. "I've not taken on any further funding, but I'm now building a strong reputation for bespoke, sustainable huts that speak for themselves." Jessica Phillips-Harris, senior manager for Wales at the British Business Bank, said: "Spence is a brilliant example of how Start Up Loans can help turn a big idea into a growing business."
Business News Wales
25-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Phase 1 Investment Approved for CAT's Transformational Cynefin Project
The Mid Wales Growth Deal has taken another major step forward with the approval of funding for the first phase of the Cynefin project, led by the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) near Machynlleth. Growing Mid Wales (GMW) Board has approved support for detailed design and specification work to bring key elements of the 'transformational' project to the point of delivery. This includes: Significant remodelling and future-proofing of the WISE (Wales Institute for Sustainable Education) building Renovating the Quarry Cottages Significant upgrades to the Straw Bale Theatre Each element plays a critical role in strengthening CAT's educational and visitor offer. This phase will also consider site-wide regenerative strategies for energy, water, waste and infrastructure improvements. These early works form part of a wider plan to reimagine CAT as a world-class hub for sustainability, learning and community – enhancing its role as a catalyst for climate action and green innovation. CAT's Cynefin development project is a major new initiative designed to enhance its site, facilities and impact, creating a vibrant hub for learning, innovation and community rooted in Welsh culture and landscape. The project aims to support a just transition to a zero-carbon future through expanded access, collaboration, and place-based sustainability education. This initial investment is not just about physical upgrades but also about enabling a sustainable future. Enhancing learning environments, increasing accommodation capacity, and futureproofing infrastructure will help CAT attract more postgraduate students, host a wider range of visitors, and demonstrate climate leadership through its operations. The Cynefin project reflects the Mid Wales region's ambition to lead in green innovation. By creating a more immersive, inspiring and accessible experience for learners, tourists and changemakers, it will drive footfall and economic growth in the area, while also supporting vital work to tackle climate change. Eileen Kinsman, Co-CEO of the Centre for Alternative Technology, said: 'We are delighted to receive this support through the Mid Wales Growth Deal. It brings renewed confidence in our vision and enables us to begin significant upgrades to our unique WISE building. Cynefin is about imagining a zero-carbon future and building the networks, skills and spaces to help make it happen. This is a crucial step in ensuring CAT continues to inspire, educate, and lead the way on climate solutions – regionally and beyond.' Joint Chairs of the GMW Board, Councillor Bryan Davies, Leader of Ceredigion County Council and Councillor Jake Berriman, Leader of Powys County Council said: 'This marks an important moment for Mid Wales. The Cynefin project is not only preserving a key regional asset but also enhancing our capacity to lead in low-carbon innovation, education, and sustainable tourism. We're proud to support this first step in what promises to be an exciting journey.' Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said: 'With Welsh Government support, the Mid Wales Growth Deal is leading the way in developing solutions that benefit both people and planet, creating a more resilient regional economy and tackling our most pressing environmental challenges. The Cynefin project will not only deliver real benefits for our communities but also strengthen the region's green economy.' Dame Nia Griffith DBE MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales, said: 'The UK Government is proud of our investment in the Mid Wales Growth Deal and in projects like Cynefin that support local jobs, education, and innovation. 'Our number one mission is to kickstart economic growth in every corner of Wales. This is another great example of how the Mid Wales Growth Deal is helping to deliver that mission and contribute to a sustainable future.' A phased approach means the project is being delivered in manageable stages, unlocking funding at key stages of development. As the project progresses, future phases will further enhance CAT's capacity to deliver immersive learning, support green skills development and welcome a wider community of visitors and changemakers.
Cambrian News
25-06-2025
- Business
- Cambrian News
Centre for Alternative Tech redevelopment set to begin as funding approved
The long-awaited redevelopment of the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) is set to go ahead as funding has been approved. After years of jumping through funding hoops, CAT in Machynlleth has now been given the go-ahead for its first phase of redevelopment works to improve visitor services. The Mid Wales Growth Deal funding will enable the 'detailed design and specification work' for remodelling and future proofing the Wales Institute for Sustainable Education (WISE) building, renovating the Quarry Cottages and upgrading the Straw Bale Theatre. The WISE building is set to get significant remodelling and future-proofing ( Centre for Alternative Technology ) Eileen Kinsman, Co-CEO of the Centre for Alternative Technology, said: 'We are delighted to receive this support through the Mid Wales Growth Deal. 'It brings renewed confidence in our vision and enables us to begin significant upgrades to our unique WISE building. 'Cynefin [the name of the upgrade project] is about imagining a zero-carbon future and building the networks, skills and spaces to help make it happen. 'This is a crucial step in ensuring CAT continues to inspire, educate, and lead the way on climate solutions – regionally and beyond.' The Mid Wales Growth Deal funding has been discussed since 2019, however in late 2023, CAT, an environmental charity and learning institute, was forced to close to visitors due to financial constraints. The charity had originally estimated that Phase 1 of the works would start in spring 2023. This first phase is part of CAT's wider plans to reimagine the institution as a 'world-class hub for sustainability, learning and community, enhancing its role as a catalyst for climate action and green innovation'. CAT leaders have a vision to renew the look and feel of the learning centre to create fresh interest in the eco-centre ( Haworth Tompkins Ltd ) By enhancing its learning environments, expanding accommodation capacity and improving its site infrastructure, the charity aims to attract more postgraduate students, welcome a wider range of visitors and 'demonstrate climate leadership' through its operations. The end result is refurbished teaching and workshop spaces, new exhibition spaces, an expanded cafe, nature trails and a new welcome centre. Joint Chairs of the Growing Mid Wales Board, Councillor Bryan Davies, Leader of Ceredigion County Council and Councillor Jake Berriman, Leader of Powys County Council, said: 'This marks an important moment for Mid Wales. 'The Cynefin project is not only preserving a key regional asset but enhancing our capacity to lead in low-carbon innovation, education, and sustainable tourism. 'We're proud to support this first step in what promises to be an exciting journey.' One of the only new buildings in the plans will be the Forum, which will encourage a new events programme to the centre ( Haworth Tompkins Ltd/ CAT ) This is just one of the Mid Wales Growth Deal funded projects with £110 million on offer, which aims to collectively create over 1,100 new jobs by 2032, increasing the value of goods and services of Wales by up to £700 million by 2032. Dame Nia Griffith DBE MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales, said: 'The UK Government is proud of our investment in the Mid Wales Growth Deal and in projects like Cynefin that support local jobs, education, and innovation. 'Our number one mission is to kickstart economic growth in every corner of Wales.
Powys County Times
25-06-2025
- Business
- Powys County Times
Centre for Alternative Technology upgrade cash approved
A world-leading eco centre in Powys has reached a major milestone after funding was approved to create a vibrant hub for learning, innovation and community, rooted in Welsh culture and landscape. The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) near Machynlleth will see significant remodelling and futureproofing of its WISE (Wales Institute for Sustainable Education) building, renovating the Quarry Cottages, and upgrades to the Straw Bale Theatre. The Growing Mid Wales (GMW) Board approved support on Wednesday (June 25) for detailed design and specification work to bring key elements of the project, called Cynefin, to delivery. The Mid Wales Growth Deal aims to create jobs and increase productivity through projects across Powys and Ceredigion with £110m investment from the UK and Welsh Governments. "These early works form part of a wider plan to reimagine CAT as a world-class hub for sustainability, learning and community - enhancing its role as a catalyst for climate action and green innovation," a Mid Wales Growth Deal spokesperson said. "The Cynefin project reflects the Mid Wales region's ambition to lead in green innovation. "By creating a more immersive, inspiring and accessible experience for learners, tourists and changemakers, it will drive footfall and economic growth in the area, while also supporting vital work to tackle climate change." The CAT is an internationally respected environmental charity, a world-leading eco centre, and one of the foremost providers of postgraduate environmental education in the UK. The Cynefin project aims to help CAT attract more postgraduate students, host a wider range of visitors, and demonstrate climate leadership through its operations. Dame Nia Griffith MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales, said: 'The UK Government is proud of our investment in the Mid Wales Growth Deal and in projects like Cynefin that support local jobs, education, and innovation. "Our number one mission is to kickstart economic growth in every corner of Wales.
