An Eco conscious village in Powys, Wales, is set to benefit from green energy thanks to a funding boost from the ScotishPower Green Energy Trust.
The Green Valleys, a community interest company based in the Brecon Beacons National Park, has been awarded £10,000 from the Trust, which will go towards the installation and maintenance of a brand new 16kw hydro electric generator in the small village of Dyffryn Crawnon.
The Dyffryn Hydro Project is collectively owned by all 23 homes in one small community, and the new technology is expected to generate 82% of the electricity required by the homes and businesses in Dyffryn Crawnon.
And, the revenue from the sales of electricity into the National Grid will create a sustainable, community administered fund to spend on further carbon cutting and socio-environmental initiatives in the community.
Alison McKean, Senior Environmental and Social Policy Manager at ScottishPower, said:
“We are always extremely keen to help fund projects with a genuine passion for, and a long term commitment to, renewable energy.
“The Green Valleys is a very worthwhile company with community and environment at its heart, and I have every confidence that the Dyffryn Hydro Project will benefit the village both financially and environmentally. I am looking forward to hearing about the results of the hydro project in the future.”
Local individuals will complete the project, which will form part of the local authority education strategy. Hundreds of young people each year are expected to visit the site to conduct their own hydro feasibility assessments.
Andrew Gajilikowski, Project Manager, said:
“The ScottishPower Green Energy Trust has really helped with our project and everyone involved is extremely grateful for the much needed funding.
“There has been tremendous support for the hydro project, not only for its ingenious use of energy technology and carbon off setting but also because the majority of the profit will be staying in the valley for the community to spend.
“I believe once complete, this project will encourage the community to think more about environmental issues, and make the local people more aware of how long term renewable energy projects can have a positive effect on the planet.”
The installation of the new hydro generator is expected to begin in summer of this year.
Media Information: Paul Ferguson, 0141 566 4515 / 07702 665 924