Case Study (81 KB)

Summary

This case study provides an overview of a project based in the Dyfi Valley, near Machynlleth, mid Wales, UK. It explains how several organisations have come together to enable local people to carry out small-scale schemes using various renewable energy technologies.

Community Action for Energy (CAfE) is an initiative of the Energy Efficiency Partnership for Homes.

Results

The total installed capacity of completed renewable energy schemes was 205 kW electrical capacity (hydro, wind, solar) and 150 kW heat capacity (solar, wood, heat pump).

Schemes completed by mid-2003 include:

• 120 kW grid-connected hydro (by a farmer);
• 3 x 800 - 1000 W (domestic) solar electric, one of which powers a ground-source heat pump;
• 1.4 kW solar electric array at Dyfi Eco Park;
• 2 x 690 W solar electric arrays at schools;
• 124 sq. m. solar thermal array plus heat transfer main at CAT;
• 2 x domestic woodstove / solar water heating systems;
• 10 installations by Solar Club members.

The benefits have spread through the local economy and community (even where the recipient of grant aid was an individual) through the following means:

• Reduced expenditure on energy supplied from outside the community keeps more money circulating in the local economy;
• Equipment supply, technical support, civil engineering and maintenance was supplied commercially from local SMEs or sole traders;
• Each scheme contributes to the credibility of a green local energy economy whose existence can be promoted and replicated elsewhere, again drawing on local SME services.Reduced consumption of fossil fuels reduces emissions of carbon dioxide, alleviating global climate change.
• One job has been created directly from this project and a further 8 jobs safeguarded.

Many people in the community are now more aware of the economic and environmental implications of energy use and this influences their behaviour in subtle ways, from being more careful to switch off unused electrical to using public transport.