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Pembrokeshire Herald
01-05-2025
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
£10m to support community-led energy projects across Wales
NEW funding is now available to support organisations across Wales to develop Smart Local Energy Systems (SLES), helping ensure the benefits of energy generation are retained and felt in local communities. The £10m Ynni Cymru capital grants scheme forms a key part of Wales' ambitious goal to generate 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2035. It provides financial support to community energy organisations, social enterprises, public sector bodies, and SMEs developing innovative local energy projects. The grant scheme builds on the work of Ynni Cymru, established by the Welsh Government in 2023, to promote community ownership of renewable energy and drive Wales' transition to a low-carbon economy. Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said: 'This £10 million investment shows our continued commitment to putting communities at the heart of Wales' clean energy transition. 'Smart Local Energy Systems are not just about decarbonising our energy supply – they are about lower energy costs, local job creation, and more resilient energy infrastructure for local communities. 'I am really pleased to open applications for the next funding round and want to encourage organisations across Wales to bring forward their innovative proposals.' The scheme's impact can be seen at Holywell Town Football Club in Flintshire where, thanks to funding during the last round, the club has transformed its energy infrastructure. The grant allowed the club to add roof-mounted solar PV panels, battery storage, air source heat pumps, EV charging points, smart LED floodlights, and an intelligent energy management system. This integrated approach means it expects an 80% reduction in annual energy costs – savings that are being reinvested into grassroots sport and community initiatives. Director of Holywell Town Football Club 1947 Ltd, Tracey Jones, said: 'We have built a strong foundation and legacy that is supporting local people within the local and wider area of Holywell and are grateful for the fund's support towards our long-term sustainability. 'While this phase concludes, the club's journey continues. We look forward to building on this momentum, expanding our reach, and ensuring the club remains a lasting asset for the community. 'Our expected reduction in annual energy costs also allows us to further support grassroots sport and initiatives. We currently have 155 boys from ages 6-17 playing within the club, have a new Females team with us for the new season ahead, and have a strong relationship with Achieve More Training delivering engagement programs and qualifications at the ground of our football club – reaching out to deliver alternate provision through 'Goodwood' which is based within our football club.' The Energy Secretary added: 'The success we have already seen from previous recipients is helping gain invaluable insights into the scale of benefits that can be secured for communities, which will help Ynni Cymru refine and expand systems to maximise their impact across Wales.'
National News
28-04-2025
- Business
- National News
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
NNA - Time Topic Parliamentary Committee Meetings: 9:30 am The Committee on National Economy, Trade, Industry, and Planning, chaired by MP Farid Al-Bustani, meets to discuss the challenges facing the external transit truck transport sector. Venue: Committee Hall – Parliament offices – 3rd floor – Room 310. 10:00 am The Committee on National Education, Higher Education, and Culture, chaired by MP Hassan Mrad, convenes to discuss the role and strengthening of educational inspection. Venue: Education Committee Hall – Parliament offices – 1st floor. 10:30 am The Committee on Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, chaired by MP Fadi Alameh, meets at the committee hall – Parliament offices – 3rd floor. 10:30 am The Finance and Budget Committee, chaired by MP Ibrahim Kanaan, meets to study the draft law submitted under Decree No. 193 concerning the restructuring and reform of Lebanon's banking sector. Venue: Public Library Hall – Parliament offices. 12:00 pm The Fact-Finding Subcommittee from the Committee on Public Works, Transport, Energy, and Water, chaired by MP Ibrahim Mneimneh, meets to discuss its findings on the Integrated System Project related to driver's licenses, vehicle registrations, electronic stickers, secure license plates, and the digitalization of the Vehicle Registration Service. Venue: Public Works Committee Hall – Parliament offices – 4th floor. ********************* Other Events: 10:00 am The Beirut Bar Association organizes a celebration marking the centennial of the Intellectual Property Law in Lebanon under the theme 'The Centennial of the Intellectual Property Law in Lebanon: Past, Present, and Future,' under the patronage of President Joseph Aoun. Venue: House of the Lawyer – Main Conference Hall – 5th floor. Speeches will be delivered by Minister of Administrative Reform Dr. Fadi Makki and Minister of Culture Dr. Ghassan Salamé. 10:00 am Protest organized by the Committee of Rafik Hariri University Hospital Employees at the hospital's main entrance, demanding the payment of delayed salaries and dues. 11:00 am Press conference by the Lebanese-Palestinian Coordination Committee for Prisoners and Detainees at the Press Syndicate, marking Palestinian Prisoners' Day. 12:00 pm The Lebanese Union for People with Physical Disabilities, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), launches the campaign 'My Right – National Campaign for the Political Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Lebanon', attended by Interior Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Hajar and Social Affairs Minister Hanine Sayyed. The event will include a discussion on inclusive electoral practices. Venue: Radisson Blu Hotel – Verdun, Beirut. 5:00 pm Press conference by the families of the Qornet El Sawda and Bcharre martyrs, in response to widespread regional support, at the Lebanese Press Club near Alfa Company headquarters. 5:00 pm The Faculty of Political Science and International Relations at Université La Sagesse organizes a seminar titled 'The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Geopolitical Transformations and Modern Warfare,' at Espace Science Po – Block C, 4th floor. 6:30 pm Announcement of the 'Kulna Lil Batroun' municipal list at its headquarters in Al-Bahsa – Batroun.
Pembrokeshire Herald
25-04-2025
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Wales and Japan strengthen partnership at Tokyo investor showcase
WALES' longstanding relationship with Japan was reaffirmed and deepened this week during a high-profile investor showcase in Tokyo, part of the Welsh Government's Year of Wales in Japan 2025 celebrations. The Wales Investor Showcase, hosted by Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning Rebecca Evans, brought together leading Japanese entrepreneurs and companies across a range of sectors, with a focus on fostering long-term trade links and collaborative ventures. The event centred on strategic areas of mutual interest, including renewable energy, digital innovation, and advanced manufacturing. It marked a significant moment in the decades-old partnership between the two nations, which began with the first wave of Japanese investment into Wales in the 1970s. Today, over 70 Japanese companies operate in Wales. Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Evans said: 'Deep-rooted connections between Wales and Japan have flourished for generations, with trade links thriving over the last 50 years. 'With the world's economies searching for stability and growth, now is the perfect time to strengthen our ties with Japan. The optimism surrounding our shared ambitions has been truly inspiring. 'The showcase was about forging new connections, building on existing relationships, and exploring opportunities for sustainable, mutual growth that will benefit both nations for the next 50 years and beyond. 'It also highlighted the skills, creativity and world-class innovation that define modern Wales.' Kazushi Ambe, Senior Adviser of Sony Group, echoed the importance of the relationship: 'The partnership between Wales and Japan, built over more than half a century, reflects deep mutual respect, shared values, and a strong sense of connection. 'In a time of constant change, it is these enduring qualities that continue to unite us. This showcase was a valuable opportunity to strengthen that bond and explore new avenues for collaboration. 'As both sides embrace new challenges and pursue progress, I hope this partnership will continue to evolve and thrive.' As part of her visit to Japan, the Cabinet Secretary will also host a Wales Day event at the Osaka Expo, promoting Welsh innovation, culture, and trade potential on the global stage. In addition, the Welsh Government has announced two upcoming trade missions to Japan later this year, aimed at helping Welsh businesses explore export opportunities in one of Asia's most significant markets.
National News
24-03-2025
- Politics
- National News
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
NNA - Time Topic Parliamentary Committee Meetings 10:00 am Session of the Committee on National Economy, Trade, Industry, and Planning, chaired by MP Farid Boustani, in Committee Hall, MPs' Offices Building, 3rd floor, Room 310. 10:00 am Session of the Committee on Public Works, Transport, Energy, and Water, chaired by MP Sajih Attieh, to hear from the Minister of Energy and Water on upcoming plans and projects, in Committee Hall, 4th floor. 10:00 am Session of the Committee on Women and Children, chaired by MP Inaya Ezzeddine, to discuss the UNICEF report titled "A Devastated Childhood: The Catastrophic Impact of War on Children in Lebanon," in the Administration and Justice Committee Room. ********************** 11:00 am Justice Minister Adel Nassar receives the Ambassador of Pakistan, Salman Athar, at his office. 11:00 am Press conference by Labor Minister Dr. Mohammad Haidar at his office (Ministry Building, Mousharrafieh – 6th floor), in the presence of NSSF Director General Dr. Mohammad Karaki and Head of the Private Hospitals Syndicate Dr. Sleiman Haroun, to announce new regulatory measures for social security, improved healthcare benefits, and plans to enhance ministry services. 1:30 pm The administration of Frères School – Furn El Chebbak welcomes Minister of Information Paul Morcos, an alumnus of the institution.
Arab News
10-03-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Syria's inflation drops sharply as new leadership seeks economic recovery, international support
RIYADH: Syria's annual inflation rate plummeted to 6.4 percent in January, down from 118.9 percent in the same month last year, driven by an improved local supply chain. According to the latest Directorate of Economic Research, General Statistics, and Planning report at the Central Bank of Syria, the overall inflation rate from February 2024 to January 2025 stood at 46.7 percent. The analysis attributed the decline to an improvement in the exchange rate following the liberalization process and a notable increase in the supply of goods and materials in the local market, significantly easing inflationary pressures. On Dec. 8, Syrian President Bashar Assad was ousted, ending over five decades of family rule. Since then, Syria's new leadership has focused on rebuilding and reviving the economy, with the EU easing sanctions to support reconstruction. Still, 90 percent of Syrians live in poverty, according to a recent UN report. Syria's monthly inflation rate for January stood at 8.7 percent, an improvement from the 13.8 percent rate recorded in December. This progress was similarly driven by reduced inflationary pressures due to the increase in supply and exchange rate stability. The report also highlighted sectoral developments, showing mixed trends across different categories. Food prices generally declined, with the overall index dropping 12.5 percent in February. Dairy and eggs decreased by 3.4 percent, followed by oils, which fell by 14.5 percent, and vegetables, which saw a decline of 18 percent. Meat was the only category to rise, increasing by 17.6 percent. On Feb. 24, Syria's economy minister met with the Middle East director of the World Bank and discussed resuming cooperation with the lender, which was suspended under the toppled government of Assad. Minister Bassel Abdel Hanan emphasized with Jean-Christophe Carret the resumption of relations between the bank and Syria as well as the prospects for their development, the official SANA news agency reported. Abdel Hanan proposed the establishment of a 'joint committee between the ministry and the bank to evaluate a new start.' He added that 'the nature of the financing granted by the bank will determine the type of projects that will be financed,' pointing to the energy, agriculture, industry, and infrastructure sectors. The World Bank had provided Syria with technical assistance and development advice before suspending its operations following the outbreak of the civil war in 2011. Since Assad's fall, Syria has been urging the international community to lift the sanctions imposed on the former government. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani called the EU's decision to ease sanctions on the energy, transport, and banking sectors 'a step toward alleviating the suffering of our people.'
