Future Generations Commissioner wants more renewable energy
Derek Walker wants the Welsh Government to be more ambitious, with increased solar, wind, and water energy sources owned by and generating money for local people.
Mr Walker, who challenges the government on improving future citizens' lives, envisions more Welsh schools, health centres, and community buildings running on renewable energy, with communities benefiting financially.
In Torfaen, 14 schools are benefiting from renewable energy sources, which has included the installation of solar panels.
The project has resulted in an estimated saving of 2,459 tonnes of CO2 and £240,000 in annual energy costs across Torfaen Council.
This has allowed some schools, like Garnteg Primary School, to buy laptops and iPads with the money saved on energy bills.
Ceri Williams, Schools Energy Finance Officer at Torfaen Council, said: "Every school has reported fantastic results – even on a cloudy day, energy is being generated and savings being made."
The project is also an educational tool for students, with plans to integrate the data and learnings from the solar installations into the curriculum.
Headteacher, Susan Roche, said: "The solar installation project is an exciting opportunity for all the school community.
"Not only will the school make huge financial savings, but it will equip our pupils with vital life skills and knowledge about green energy for the future."
The Welsh Government Energy Service has invested £210 million in more than 400 projects since 2018. This investment is expected to yield an estimated £367 million in local income and savings.
Wales has already achieved 1GW of locally owned renewable electricity and heat capacity, against its target of 1.5GW by 2035.
But Mr Walker wants to see at least a doubling of this target to 3GW by 2035, with 1GW enough to power half a million homes.
He has urged the Welsh Government to provide more resources and support for community-led renewable energy projects in his Future Generations Report.
He also requested public bodies to collaborate more with communities, release land for local energy schemes, and purchase the generated energy.
Mr Walker said: "Community energy will play a crucial role in addressing climate change, involving communities in decisions, reducing energy bills, creating jobs, and helping Wales become more energy-resilient in the future."
Paul Cowley, Community Renewables Technical Manager at Welsh Government Energy Service, said: "The Energy Service provides a range of technical advice and funding support to local councils and social enterprises.
"The latent demand for such projects is huge, so we welcome the commissioner's call for more community energy in Wales."
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