Egni Sir Gâr Cyfyngedig is the community benefit energy society established by Carmarthenshire County Council to tackle climate change by reducing energy costs, generating clean renewable energy, lowering carbon emissions and keeping the profits local.
The Society installed 636 kWp (kilowatt peak) of rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on 16 Council owned buildings in 2016.
Sites where these community-owned solar systems have been installed include: Ysgol Heol Goffa in Llanelli; Glan y Môr School in Burry Port; and, Carmarthen Leisure Centre in Johnstown.
The solar sites receive portfolio optimisation and asset management services by community developer Generation Community Ventures. The electricity generated by these sites over the last 12 months equates to the equivalent of over 290 tonnes of CO2e offset, which contributes towards the Council’s commitment to become a net zero carbon local authority by 2030.
Egni Sir Gâr Cyfyngedig’s recent AGM dedicated £42,300 of interest payments to local food banks, which have seen a marked increase in use during the COVID-19 pandemic. This donation to be distributed by the Council via vouchers which can be exchanged for food products from designated suppliers.
The donation represents a value of approximately £70,000 for every megawatt of solar installed, which is the highest single payment per megawatt of installed solar for any community benefit society or commercial solar farm or portfolio in the UK.
The Council’s Executive Board Member for Resources, Cllr David Jenkins, said: “Now more than ever people are having to use foodbanks to put food on their table. It’s a challenging time for everyone as this coronavirus pandemic continues. This donation will help towards those that are struggling and cannot afford the essentials of life.”
