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Climate

£10m to support community-led energy projects across Wales

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NEW funding is now available to support organisations across Wales to develop Smart Local Energy Systems (SLES), helping ensure the benefits of energy generation are retained and felt in local communities.

The £10m Ynni Cymru capital grants scheme forms a key part of Wales’ ambitious goal to generate 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2035.

It provides financial support to community energy organisations, social enterprises, public sector bodies, and SMEs developing innovative local energy projects.

The grant scheme builds on the work of Ynni Cymru, established by the Welsh Government in 2023, to promote community ownership of renewable energy and drive Wales’ transition to a low-carbon economy.

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said: “This £10 million investment shows our continued commitment to putting communities at the heart of Wales’ clean energy transition.

“Smart Local Energy Systems are not just about decarbonising our energy supply – they are about lower energy costs, local job creation, and more resilient energy infrastructure for local communities.

“I am really pleased to open applications for the next funding round and want to encourage organisations across Wales to bring forward their innovative proposals.”

The scheme’s impact can be seen at Holywell Town Football Club in Flintshire where, thanks to funding during the last round, the club has transformed its energy infrastructure.

The grant allowed the club to add roof-mounted solar PV panels, battery storage, air source heat pumps, EV charging points, smart LED floodlights, and an intelligent energy management system.

This integrated approach means it expects an 80% reduction in annual energy costs – savings that are being reinvested into grassroots sport and community initiatives.

Director of Holywell Town Football Club 1947 Ltd, Tracey Jones, said:

“We have built a strong foundation and legacy that is supporting local people within the local and wider area of Holywell and are grateful for the fund’s support towards our long-term sustainability.

“While this phase concludes, the club’s journey continues. We look forward to building on this momentum, expanding our reach, and ensuring the club remains a lasting asset for the community.

“Our expected reduction in annual energy costs also allows us to further support grassroots sport and initiatives. We currently have 155 boys from ages 6-17 playing within the club, have a new Females team with us for the new season ahead, and have a strong relationship with Achieve More Training delivering engagement programs and qualifications at the ground of our football club – reaching out to deliver alternate provision through ‘Goodwood’ which is based within our football club.”

The Energy Secretary added: “The success we have already seen from previous recipients is helping gain invaluable insights into the scale of benefits that can be secured for communities, which will help Ynni Cymru refine and expand systems to maximise their impact across Wales.”

 

Charity

Appeal launched after pigeon shot with air gun in Pembrokeshire town

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AN APPEAL has been launched after an injured pigeon was found on Charles Street, Milford Haven after being shot through its wing bone with an air gun,

The bird was discovered by a member of the public on April 21 and was taken to All Pets Vet Care.

This incident follows a previous RSPCA appeal as several cats were shot by an air gun in the Hakin area in March. At least one cat died and three were injured.

When examined by a veterinary surgeon, the pigeon was found to have a wound on his left wing, with infection and lots of swelling. A subsequent radiograph showed that a pellet had shattered through its wing bones.

“As a result the pigeons sadly had to be euthanised,” commented Dr Cethin Ravenhill of the All Pets Vet Care. “The RSPCA were informed and as far as I’m aware, this is the only bird we’ve treated with this type of injury “

Meanwhile staff have been asked to radiograph any more injured birds brought in to the veterinary practice.

“I am so shocked and saddened that any individual would shoot an animal with an air gun, as the shot is very unlikely to kill the animal, but just maim and seriously wound them,” added Dr Ravenhill. “This leads to a slow and painful death and significant suffering.

“It’ss very upsetting to think there is someone in the local area doing this to both cats, and sadly pigeons.”

RSPCA Cymru fears other cats and wildlife may have been targeted and is now calling on the community to look out for any suspicious behaviour and report potential offences.

RSPCA Inspector Keith Hogben, who is investigating the incident, said: “We are extremely concerned about reports of a pigeon and cats being deliberately targeted and killed in this way.
“Our hearts go out to the owners and to anyone who has been involved or discovered an animal injured in this way.

“It is always very distressing to think that people may be taking pleasure in causing such horrific injuries to defenceless animals.

“Unfortunately at the moment we only have limited information and so we hope an appeal for information will help with our enquiries.

“We would urge anyone who saw what happened, or who may have any further information, to please get in touch with us as soon as possible. We would also ask parents and carers to speak and educate young people about this.”

Anyone caught deliberately using an air gun to injure an animal can face up to five years in prison and/or an unlimited fine if found guilty under the Animal Welfare Act.

Deliberately injuring or killing wild birds is a criminal offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the RSPCA appeals line number on 0300 123 8018 and refer to incident number 01794965.

Every year the RSPCA receives almost 1,000 calls to investigate cases, and help hundreds of animals that are the victims of air gun attacks.

Cats and wildlife are the animals most vulnerable to being shot simply because they are out in the open with no one to protect them. Unfortunately, air rifle attacks are not as rare as the charity would like. The injuries caused by such attacks can be horrific and often fatal.

Keith added: said: “We want to see a world where every kind of animal is treated with compassion and respect, and deliberate and brutal acts of cruelty should be consigned to the past.

“We continue to call for tighter controls on air weapons. This, along with better education and explanation of the law when buying an air gun, and requirements that everyone must receive basic safety training before being allowed to walk out of the shop, could help relieve the problem.”

 

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Climate

Chris Packham backs Carmarthen ‘nature crisis’ climate screening

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BROADCASTER and environmental campaigner Chris Packham has backed a free public screening in Carmarthen aimed at encouraging local discussion about the climate and nature crisis.

The People’s Emergency Briefing will be shown at St Peters Civic Hall, Carmarthen, on Friday, May 22, at 7:00pm.

The screening will be followed by a facilitated community discussion involving residents, local leaders and invited decision-makers.

The event forms part of a UK-wide programme intended to help the public and policymakers better understand the risks posed by climate change and biodiversity loss.

The film follows the National Emergency Briefing held at Westminster Central Hall in November 2025, where more than 1,200 MPs, peers and leaders from business, culture, faith, sport and the media gathered to hear evidence from leading experts.

The briefing, introduced by Chris Packham CBE, examined the impact of climate and nature breakdown on food security, public health, infrastructure, the economy and national security.

It has since been adapted into a 50-minute public film, which launched nationally in April and is now being screened in communities across the UK.

Chris Packham said: “I’d encourage people everywhere to attend a screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing.

“It creates exactly the kind of honest local conversation we now urgently need, both about what these changes mean where we live, and about what we can do together to address them.”

Organisers say the Carmarthen event comes at a time of growing local concern over flooding on the rivers Towy and Gwili, as well as biodiversity loss linked to pollution incidents.

After the film, those attending will be invited to take part in a structured discussion about the issues raised and what they may mean locally.

Local MPs, councillors and other influential figures have also been invited.

Philip Hughes, one of the organisers, said: “This is about creating space for people to come together, look at the evidence, and begin a more open and informed conversation about what it means for our community.

“It is also about how we can support the bolder action now called for by the science, which will also do so much to improve lives, as the film explains.”

Tickets for the Carmarthen screening are free, but advance registration is encouraged.

 

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Climate

Welsh windfarms to power major construction materials firm

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A MAJOR construction materials company has signed a long-term deal to use renewable energy from Welsh windfarms as part of efforts to cut carbon emissions.

Energy firm RWE has agreed a 15-year contract to supply electricity to Breedon Group plc, which operates sites across Great Britain producing materials including concrete, asphalt and cement.

Under the agreement, RWE will provide around 70 gigawatt hours of renewable electricity each year from its windfarm portfolio.

The power will initially come from the Gwynt y Môr offshore windfarm, about 24km off the coast of North Wales in the Irish Sea. From 2033, supply will switch to the Brechfa Forest West onshore windfarm in Wales.

The electricity will support the production of key building materials, helping Breedon reduce emissions linked to its energy use in a sector widely regarded as difficult to decarbonise.

RWE said the agreement highlighted the role renewable energy can play in helping heavy industry move towards lower-carbon operations.

Olaf Lubenow, head of commodity solutions at RWE, said: “This agreement underlines our commitment to supporting the construction materials sector on its journey towards a more sustainable future.

“By supplying renewable electricity from our wind portfolio, we are helping to reduce the carbon footprint of Breedon’s operations.”

Breedon said the deal would also provide long-term energy stability while supporting its wider sustainability plans.

Donna Hunt, the company’s sustainability director, said the agreement marked “a meaningful step forward”.

She said: “It secures long-term energy supply and helps accelerate the reduction of emissions from our operations.”

The company has set targets to cut emissions across its business by more than 20% by 2030 and to reach net zero by 2050.

The agreement reflects a growing trend of major industrial firms turning to renewable energy to help meet climate targets while managing rising energy costs.

 

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