Local Energy Action Force for Pembrokeshire

A pilot project to help communities generate and trade sustainable energy has been awarded funding by Arwain Sir Benfro.  The Local Energy Action Force (LEAF) will be working with five communities across Pembrokeshire over the next two years, supporting them to develop community energy projects.

Arwain Sir Benfro – the Local Action Group (LAG) for Pembrokeshire, administered by PLANED have provided funding of £166,089.94 to Community Energy Pembrokeshire. This is funded through the LEADER programme, which is part of the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014 – 2020, Funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

Peter Davies, Chair of Community Energy Pembrokeshire said: “We know many people are interested in community energy but just don’t know where to start.  This project will recruit a Local Energy Action Force Project Manager and three Project Officers who will deliver a programme of events to help raise awareness and develop skills in community energy development.

“The Local Energy Action Force will develop five projects in Pembrokeshire, working with volunteers, landowners, business owners and householders, co-ordinating and enabling access to support, skills, knowledge and experience and sharing what we learn.”

Natalie Lang, Project Officer for Arwain Sir Benfro said: “This innovative pilot will deliver an engagement programme with communities helping to develop projects generating, selling and buying sustainable energy.

“Local energy can help deliver a more resilient economy and has the potential to help alleviate social issues including fuel poverty and promote wider health and well-being benefits.”

“LEADER funding is supporting all kinds of activity: mentoring, training, feasibility studies or pilot projects that test innovative new ideas, benefiting the county and contributing to a competitive, productive and sustainable local economy.”

Arwain Sir Benfro is currently supporting project ideas from local community groups, organisations and businesses. As the Local Action Group for Pembrokeshire, Arwain Sir Benfro brings together a mix of local community representatives, business, third sector, local authority partners to administer the LEADER fund.