Case study detail
Ecodyfi Energy Programme
Contributed by:
Andy Rowland
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The Dyfi Eco Valley Partnership is a local organisation that brings people together to foster sustainable community regeneration in the Dyfi Valley. It is called ecodyfi for short. One of its projects has been to focus on greening the local economy through developing renewable energy schemes.
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Overview
The Dyfi Eco Valley Partnership is a local organisation that fosters sustainable community regeneration in the Dyfi Valley. It is called ecodyfi for short.
Amongst its projects ecodyfi has established a number of small community-based water, wind, solar and wood-fuel schemes and is working towards "greening" the local energy economy. The combined outputs of the projects have a capacity of 150 kW heat capacity and 204 kW of electricity. The driver for this project has been the opportunity for economic and sustainable development, aspiring to 100% renewable energy supply.
Through an EC-funded project in 1998-2001 it brought around £219,000 into the local economy and raised awareness of energy issues as well as placing the Dyfi Valley at the forefront of involving local people with renewable energy, such as with the continuing Bro Dyfi Community Renewables co-operative.
This has created the UK’s first community owned and developed wind turbine. Ecodyfi established and ran the Dyfi Solar Club through which ten householders installed their own solar water heating systems. However, it no longer runs training courses. Another example is a farmer who built a 110 kW hydro-electric system and sells the electricity. This work with community renewable energy is being continued by Mid Wales Energy Agency, who can often source financial assistance with feasibility studies and with installations for community projects.
Ecodyfi also works to reduce energy consumption in the valley.
Current renewable energy proposals:
· Wood-chip fuelled district heating for Dinas Mawddwy / Minllyn
· 500 kW community wind turbine on Mynydd Glandulas
· 200 kW water turbine at Nantyrehedydd, owned by private landowner
· – from the previous programme100 kW water turbine at Nant Llyn Coch Hwyaid, owned by ecodyfi
The project is replicable and can happen elsewhere and is already taking place in Rhondda, Awel Aman Tawe and Wandle, not just in rural areas. Although local technical expertise is an advantage, dedication and organisation are more important and are available in many communities.
Andy Rowland of ecodyfi received the 2002 Award for Best Rural Partnership (for renewable energy) from the Vice-president of the European Commission, Loyola de Palacio.
Key features
energy
regeneration
Key data
Completion Date: 01/01/2001
Project Team: Key partners Powys County Council, Dulas Ltd. Funders were Welsh Development Agency, Snowdonia National Park Authority, Ceredigion County Council, Gwynedd Council.
Cost: £ 526,338
Local Authority: 4 involved, Powys, Gwynnedd, Ceredigion, Snowdonia National Park
Client: local community
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