7 hours 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.
