Latest news with #WelshGovernmentEnergyService
Rhyl Journal
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Rhyl Journal
Denbighshire Council adds two electric vehicles to its fleet
The council has introduced two Toyota Proace Verso electric people carriers to its fleet, funded by taxpayers through the Welsh Government Energy Service. The new vehicles will be used to transport students to and from Ysgol Tir Morfa, a special school in Rhyl. Councillor Barry Mellor, lead member for environment and transport, said: "We are working very hard to reduce our fleet's carbon footprint by replacing end of life fossil fuel vehicles when the opportunity arises with greener alternatives where it is appropriate for the service need. "These vehicles help us reduce running costs over the long term through maintenance and miles and will continue to reduce our emissions to help us tackle the climate and nature emergency declared in 2019." READ MORE: Conwy road upgrade to fix 4,000 potholes as part of multi-million pound scheme Currently the council has one of the highest figures in Wales for the proportion of so-called zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) as a percentage of their fleet, at more than 20 percent. With a range of up to 214 miles, the new vehicles are expected to lower both mileage and maintenance costs. The people carrier will support Ysgol Tir Morfa with school transport, aligning with the school's environmental efforts, which have included low carbon energy improvements on site and tree planting in the grounds by pupils working with the council's biodiversity team. The second people carrier will be used in the social care sector to transport adults who work at Meifod Wood Products, a Denbigh-based work opportunity scheme. Cllr Mellor said: "It's great that Ysgol Tir Morfa will have access to one of these vehicles as the students are so supportive of doing everything they can to tackle climate change and support their local nature at the school and surrounding community. "Having one supporting Meifod as well I hope will inspire the fantastic adults who work at the site to do their bit to tackle climate change." The council said the minibuses would also be easier to maintain than petrol or diesel models due to having fewer moving parts.
South Wales Argus
12-06-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Greenmeadow Community Farm in Cwmbran close to opening
Greenmeadow Community Farm in Cwmbran has completed the installation of a ground source heat pump as part of a wider redevelopment project. This upgrade was made possible through the Welsh Government Energy Services' Local Authority Low Carbon Heat Grant, with Torfaen Council receiving £1,560,763 in funding. Sam Wright-Green, development manager at Welsh Government Energy Service, said: "Greenmeadow Farm is a fantastic example of a site suitable for ground source heat pumps. "The land surrounding the buildings acts as the source of heat, and the existing solar array on the roof provides some of the electricity needed to power the new heating system. "We are pleased to be able to support this unique site to provide a low carbon way to heat both its historic and new buildings." Work began in May 2024 and was completed in March 2025. The ground source heat pump replaces the farm's natural gas-fired boilers and is expected to deliver lifetime carbon savings of 201 tCO2e—the equivalent emissions of heating and powering 59 homes in Wales for a year. David Leech, strategic director for adults and communities at Torfaen Council, said: "Residents passing the site will have spotted the impact of the heat pump on the paddocks, but the project has been a vital part of making the farm sustainable for the long-term. "We're extremely grateful to the Welsh Government for supporting the project and alongside the new facilities on the farm, we're proud to have a transformation that has a fantastic new visitor experience and a reduced carbon footprint." The farm remains closed to visitors while extensive refurbishments are completed, including upgrades to the historic farmhouse, café, animal barn, and play facilities. It is now expected to reopen at the end of the summer.
South Wales Argus
04-06-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
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."
