Energy revolution presents huge economic opportunities

A place at the forefront of the UK’s energy revolution represents one of Bridgend County Borough’s biggest economic opportunities over the next 30 years.

That’s the view of Cabinet Members from Bridgend County Borough Council who have approved a new Smart Energy Plan which explains how Bridgend County Borough can grow into a low carbon innovation zone to meet UK de-carbonisation targets by 2050.

Bridgend County Borough is one of only three local authority areas that have been chosen by the UK Government to develop low carbon energy schemes which could then be replicated elsewhere across the country.

Projects that are already under development locally include a heat network connecting homes and public buildings in Bridgend, and the Caerau Minewater scheme which involves using underground water as a heat source to warm homes in the Llynfi Valley.

Bridgend County Borough Council isn’t putting any of its own funds towards the potential schemes. Instead, it is using various forms of grant funding for any costs incurred, and is concentrating on attracting private and public sector investment.

I can’t overstate how proud and excited we are to be taking the lead in developing energy projects that could help contribute to the national target of significantly reducing UK greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

We are the first local authority in Wales to develop such an energy strategy, which we intend to act as a catalyst for Bridgend County Borough to grow into a low carbon innovation zone.

If we take a proactive role in providing opportunities for the development of the business models, supply chains and technologies that will be needed, we can ensure that Bridgend County Borough secures the maximum economic gain from the energy revolution.

Councillor Richard Young, Bridgend County Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities

Councillor Young added: “The initial focus is on decarbonising domestic heating by moving away from using fossil fuels. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for all homes, but I am very enthused by our early discussions around the potential options for renewable energy generation and the use of a wide range of technologies.

“We are already making progress. For example, we have been working with the Energy Systems Catapult in trialling a type of advanced home energy management control that could support the design of more appealing low carbon heating solutions for consumers.”

The Bridgend Smart Energy Plan was also the hot topic of discussion at an energy conference hosted by Bridgend County Borough Council last month which gathered together stakeholders including the Welsh Government, Wales and West Utilities, and Western Power Distribution.

Councillor Young added: “Partnership working will be at the heart of all the energy projects that are in the pipeline, so it was great to get representatives from so many different potential stakeholders to discuss how we go about delivering them.”

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Newcastle City Council are the other two demonstrator local authorities for the UK’s Smart System Heat programme.