Community energy project set for possible Swansea trial

A PIONEERING community energy project which could generate jobs, support the environment and reduce electricity bills could be trialled in Swansea.

The roofs of a number of schools and other council-owned buildings could be home to a series of solar energy generators capable of providing energy for the buildings and for the national grid.

And if the project’s successful it would not only generate a profit in its first five years but could also pave the way for expansion to more schools, council buildings and possibly council houses in the years ahead.

The proposal for a community renewal energy and enterprise scheme (CREES) is being considered by Cabinet on Thursday June 18.

Cllr Clive Lloyd, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Transformation and Performance, said the project would be among the first of its kind in Wales and had the potential to make a difference in communities across the city.

He said: “This is potentially a very exciting project which can only benefit the communities involved.

“Some consultation on the possibility of introducing the scheme in the Townhill, Penderry and Castle wards as well as in Cockett and surrounding areas has already taken place and the feedback has been very positive.

“The project would be funded by grants and other funding at no cost to the council. Those buildings which participate in the scheme would see direct benefits because their electricity bills would be reduced by about half.

“At the same time, jobs would be created locally to build, install and maintain the solar panels on the roofs of some of our schools and other council buildings in the area.”

The CREES scheme would be owned and managed by a social enterprise and it would be the local communities operating it which would make the decisions. Swansea Council would pitch in with officer and other support.

The report to Cabinet highlights five potential operating models for the scheme, including some which would involve council funding. Cabinet is being recommended to support a business model which would see the scheme owned and funded 100% through a community social enterprise.

Among the buildings identified as potential homes for the solar panels are 11 schools including YGG Bryn Tawe, Dylan Thomas and Bishop Vaughan as well as the primary schools of Townhill, Gors, Blaenymaes, Clase and Portmead. Penlan Leisure Centre and Rose Cross House are also on the list.

The cost of installation of solar panels is anticipated to be just over £560,000 but it’s expected that apart from job creation, reduced energy bills and the development of cleaner energy, the scheme would also generate a surplus of around £270,000 after 20 years.

Cllr Lloyd said: “Projects like these have already been developed in England and they are making good progress. It’s not just about generating electricity and cutting energy bills. It’s also about supporting local communities to create and develop clean energy, create jobs and develop local economies.

“If it’s successful it is also the kind of project which could be extended to other communities in Swansea in the years ahead.”