My village and my children. This is why I am involved. This motivation is similar to the other 8 people in the group
Its been 12 very busy months at home with community energy. I have been blogging about all sorts of wonderful projects the National Trust are involved in. But I have also been taking my work home with me. I, along with the other 8 people have founded YnNI Padarn Peris Cyf (translated; The energy of the Padarn Peris valley. Cyf is Ltd in Welsh) The company is currently going through the final checks with the financial conduct authority as an industrial provident society (Community Benefit Society) I have been working with some incredible people over the last year. (we have a university lecturer, TV producer, teachers, graphic designer…) The knowledge and experience gained from the National Trust has accelerated this company quicker than any of the others I have been involved in (we have learnt from others and used the lessons). This shows the value of experience and focus. The past 12 months we have -
- undertaken 4 scoping and 2 pre feasibility studies on 4 rivers (420kw to 60kw)
- surveyed community buildings in 5 villages for PV
- secured an exclusivity agreement on one river for a community hydro
- developed a business plan
- set up a company (don’t underestimate the time it takes)
- agreed with the owners of one building to install a community PV demonstration system
- developed specifications for community PV and tendering template for a hydro feasibility
- tendered 1 PV supply and 1 Hydro full feasibility project
- applied for 2 grants (we are waiting to hear)
We have been working with… Ynny’r Fro, Gwynedd Werdd, DEG, Welsh Cooperative Centre, Cooperative Community Enterprise Hub, GDF Energy, Gwynedd Council, Building owners and managers… and the list goes on
HQ is out of the Community Room kindly supplied by Pete’s Eats cafe in Llanberis and also at the Caban in Brynrefail (good tea, coffee and the occasional chip butty)
What has it taken…? learning from others, a committed bunch of people, organisations who want to help. I am also proud to say that the National Trusts experiences and approaches have been key to making this happen.
and the next 12 months? … lets see. (interesting times)
…and yes I am lucky I live here. But you can’t live from views alone. We have to generate our own opportunities. Hence why I am involved with YnNI Padarn Peris
