Low Carbon Communities Powys Goes on Tour!

The Low Carbon Communities Powys project, led by Severn Wye Energy Agency is funded under the Rural Development Plan for Wales. It works with Llanidloes Energy Solutions, Transition Town Rhayader and Talgarth Mill Green Energy Group in developing hydro schemes in all three communities, while raising awareness of low carbon issues.  The hydro schemes will be owned by the communities, and will generate revenue to enable them to fund further carbon reduction initiatives. 

 

Maggie Keville, Project Co-ordinator with Severn Wye Energy Agency said “the project funds part-time officers in all three communities, and will also part fund the purchase and installation of the hydro turbines. The selection of sites for the installations is nearing completion and progress is well underway for these communities in reducing their carbon footprint.”

 

The tour of the hydro schemes in the Park was led by Grenville Ham, Community Development Officer with the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority. Grenville also leads the Green Valleys Project which is Wales’ only finalist in the Big Green Challenge, a competition run by the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (Nesta). 

 

Dorienne Robinson, Project Officer for the Transition Town Rhayader group said “Seeing hydro schemes in action is inspiring – given the right circumstances, even a small river can produce a significant energy supply. Our communities can benefit considerably from the rivers we have.”

 

The Low Carbon Communities Powys project runs till the end of 2010, and will culminate in a conference which will provide a platform for the dissemination of the experiences and knowledge arising from the project. If you have any queries, please contact Maggie Keville, Severn Wye Energy Agency on 01928 551004 or email maggie@swea.co.uk.