Comment & Analysis
Community Energy is a vibrant and dynamic sector that has seen exciting developments over the last decade. Since forming in 2012, Community Energy Wales has supported groups throughout Wales to develop community owned hydro, solar and wind projects. There are over 35 different community organisations that have established energy projects throughout Wales.
Using the collective spirit that exists in our communities, this voluntary-led sector ensures that the benefits from energy generation are retained locally. This is usually done through a community benefit society, where surplus income is distributed according to community needs. This support has included food banks, energy efficiency projects, car clubs as well as investing in additional renewable energy projects. Financing the construction of the turbine or solar panel systems is raised through share offers, where members of the community invest in the project and earn interest on their investment over a long-term period. The investors become members of the community energy project and all have an equal say regardless of the amount of investment. The primary purpose of the projects however is to provide community benefits and a good social return on investment (SORI)
Because of the voluntary nature of community energy groups, the sector is always looking for the insight and knowledge of professional engineers. Many groups from around Wales would welcome an engineer to their board.
Community energy is a great opportunity for those looking to earn experience in project management, seeing a project from its inception to its completion. Having enjoyed a career in the energy sector, I became involved because it’s a great way to give back to the local community. If you, like me, have decided to slow down your work commitments and have a bit more time on your hands, then a community energy project is a fulfilling use of that time.
The Ogwen valley has a history of using the river for energy generation. A turbine was used as far back as 1929 to provide compressed air to the Penrhyn Quarry in Bethesda, North Wales. Now the money raised from the community owned hydro at Bethesda is used to support community projects as well as tackling social issues such as fuel poverty and promoting an awareness of environmental issues.
This is the story throughout Wales. Post-industrial communities like the Swansea Valley that relied in the past on heavy industry, now have collaboratively driven energy projects such as Awel Aman Tawe and Egni Coop, which are thriving. Carmarthenshire Energy and Ynni Llŷn also show the enthusiasm for community energy in our rural communities.
Joining a community energy project is just one way you can support the sector. Another way is to sign up to the CyfranNi (CyfranNi | Community Energy Wales), a newsletter from Community Energy Wales that shares information on the latest share offers available from different community energy groups in Wales. There may be a project near you, so get in touch with Community Energy Wales (Home | Community Energy Wales) if you’d like to become part of community energy world.