Latest news with #CwmArianRenewableEnergy
Western Telegraph
13 hours ago
- General
- Western Telegraph
Survey gives you the chance to help shape future of a new woodland
The woodland, near the village of Tegryn, is one of Wales' first community-led agroforestry sites. It was planted in 2023/24 by voluntrers guided by Cwm Arian Renewable Energy as part of the National Forest for Wales programme. The woodland, called CoedUNO, is just over two acres in size, the site is already home to native trees, a silvopasture orchard, restored hedgerows and willow coppice zones. Sophie Jenkins, engagement coordinator, said: 'This site is about returning to the land in a way that connects people to place. 'It's a space for wellbeing, for passing on land-based skills, and for bringing the community together. We want to hear how local people would like to use and shape it.' The bilingual community survey invites everyone to share their views, whether they walk the trail on site, have attended a workshop or volunteer session or have never visited the site before. Located opposite Ysgol Clydau and Canolfan Clydau, CoedUNO has already hosted school sessions, land-based courses, volunteer days and family events. There are plans to improve accessibility on site, provide simple shelter and signage, and expand its outdoor learning and volunteering programme. The name CoedUNO is inspired by the Welsh expression dod yn ôl at fy nghoed — 'to return to one's trees', meaning to return to oneself, or come back to balance. The team at Cwm Arian hopes that, with local support, the site can continue to grow as a space that offers just that. Take part in the survey:
Western Telegraph
3 days ago
- Business
- Western Telegraph
Cwm Arian Renewable Energy awarded £246,724 from Ofgem
Pembrokeshire-based Cwm Arian Renewable Energy (CARE) has been awarded £246,724 through the Ofgem Energy Redress Scheme to deliver its Unlocker project, which aims to expand renewable energy generation in rural West Wales. The funding comes from the scheme's Just Transition fund and will support the development of community-led renewable energy schemes and long-term income streams for vulnerable households. Michael Shakib, renewable energy project coordinator at CARE, said: "We're hugely grateful for this support which will enable us to expand our renewable energy work across rural West Wales, assisting staff to deliver innovative community-led projects that cut carbon and build long-term local resilience." CARE plans to develop Smart Local Energy Systems (SLES) in community facilities, exploring new models for energy trading and larger-scale renewable energy initiatives. The funding is part of the 11th round of the Ofgem Energy Redress Scheme, which has awarded more than £9 million to 31 charities across Great Britain to support energy-related projects. Graham Ayling, senior project manager for the Energy Redress Scheme at Energy Saving Trust, said: "We've seen the positive impact of previously funded projects in Wales, and we're excited to announce how this latest round of funding will benefit local communities. "This round of funding will support charities and community groups to help those most in need to heat and power their homes. "It will also enable the voluntary sector to scale up the UK's transition to net zero, ensuring no one is left behind." The Energy Redress Scheme channels funding from Ofgem's enforcement and compliance work, where energy companies that breach regulations make voluntary payments into the scheme. Russell Ogilvie, head of enforcement at Ofgem, said: "This funding, which is a direct result of Ofgem's enforcement and compliance work, shows that when energy companies fall short, we hold them to account and help deliver tangible support for those who need it most. "From tackling fuel poverty to backing innovative carbon-cutting projects, the Energy Redress Scheme continues to empower communities across Wales." Since its launch in 2018, the scheme has distributed more than £181 million to support 721 projects across England, Scotland and Wales.
Western Telegraph
30-05-2025
- Western Telegraph
Support offered to help people save money on energy bills
Cwm Arian Renewable Energy (CARE) is providing a range of free support services to help people in Pembrokeshire and beyond. The organisation is using income from their community-owned wind turbine in Llanfyrnach to reinvest in the local area. This includes helping people understand their energy bills, access government funding, and plan energy-saving improvements. The three services on offer are available to everyone. The Unlocker Project aims to help community groups explore solar power for their buildings. This includes support from identifying suitable funding to managing the installation process. The project recently helped Crymych Arms install solar panels and is now looking to help more groups across West Wales. Cartrefi Clyd (Cosy Homes) offers in-depth home surveys to help identify potential energy-saving improvements. The service is particularly beneficial for older, poorly insulated homes, which can lead to heat loss and high bills. The Cartrefi Clyd team provides a thorough assessment and a written report with recommended improvements. The Pembrokeshire Smarter Energy Support Service offers a service for those with questions about bills, smart meters, or heating systems. The Smarter Energy team can visit homes or chat over the phone to answer any questions in simple language. They also use tools like radiator reflectors and a thermal imaging camera to show where heat might be escaping from homes. In addition to these services, CARE is hosting a free workshop on June 15, at Y Stiwdio in Hermon. The workshop, led by the Smarter Energy Support Service team, will cover topics like air source heat pumps, solar panels, smart meters, and simple ways to reduce energy bills. Participants will have the opportunity to visit an upgraded home in Glandwr to see some of the technologies in action. For more information or to book a visit, contact the team or visit the Cwm Arian website.
