Welsh ‘smart energy’ projects get major funding boost

£10million has been allocated to schemes that bring together energy production, demand, infrastructure and storage solutions through advanced technology.

According to UK Research and Innovation [UKRI], any project involving a system that uses smart tech to service the localised energy needs of a specific was eligible for the funding, with applications opening late 2024. Those capable of rapid deployment were given priority for grants of up to £1million per scheme, and work must be complete by March 2025. 

Recipients include Anglesey County Council, Solar PV and heat pumps, battery storage facilities and systems development, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure are among the winning projects. Meanwhile, successful organisations include Anglesey County Council, Swansea Mosque and Islamic Community Centre, and Aberystwyth University. 

‘Whilst ground-breaking technology and the development of national infrastructure continues apace across strategic sites in Wales, it’s equally important that we continue to support the growth of smarter, locally driven innovative projects,’ said Rebecca Evans, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning.

‘There was a huge amount of interest in this support, which goes to show the enormous appetite for clean, smarter energy systems keeping benefits within our communities and reducing the need for large-scale infrastructure,’ she continued. ‘I’m delighted to be able to support so many quality projects which will each have a positive impact on the many who use them.’

Solar PV, battery storage, electric vehicle charging, and heat pumps are among the types of projects that have been awarded finance through the programme, including a number of schemes that involve the use of AI and machine learning. 

More on energy & net zero: 

UK carbon capital Aberdeen ‘lost’ 18,000 energy jobs in 15 years

West Yorkshire energy from waste facility stops 2million tonnes of CO2e

Image: Andreas Gücklhorn via Unsplash