Renewable Energy Acceleration Project (REAP)

With the help of Welsh Government funding, we are driving forward the development of community renewable energy projects in the Fishguard and Goodwick area – to explore, assess and develop a range of new initiatives. An important aspect of this work is to extend renewable energy expertise in our area.

Our aim is to work with our community to make local renewable energy available at a fair rate and to generate enough renewable energy to power our community by 2035.  In order to achieve this, we are pursuing a range of short-, medium- and longer-term projects which underpin a holistic community energy plan.

Page Content:
Paul Cowley, Senior Project Officer for REAP, contributing at the Community Energy Wales Conference 2024. TBG’s wind turbine, the community climate fund
and our plans for the future were all showcased at a session about Community Led Energy Systems.

What we are currently doing

Community Energy Planning

Delivery Timeframe: 6-24 months (+ ongoing ‘upkeep’)

If climate concerns were not already a sufficient motivator, certainly the impacts of the global energy market instability since Mr Putin launched the attack on Ukraine in February 2022 has highlighted the imperative to move away from reliance on fossil-fuels from overseas in favour of local renewable energy sources.  We have abundant natural, local resources to enable a rapid switch to renewables for electricity generation.  That also supports the necessary longer-term transition towards electric vehicles and the electrification of heat.

At the same time, there are some significant factors which make the conventional top-down, ‘centralised’ approach to energy supply problematic for many parts of the UK.  Rural parts of Wales, like North Pembrokeshire, are particularly poorly served by the infrastructure (‘the grid’) needed for that conventional approach and as things currently stand, we may see little or no improvement in our predicament until the late 2030s.

And yet, if we accept that we simply have to wait for the system to be improved, in the meantime the global climate – and we as a result – will continue to suffer.

Unless, perhaps, we take back the power – literally – with a system which works for us. This demands a different way of doing things, working from the roots up, balancing as far as possible local demand for energy with local supply.

It requires us as a community to ‘participate’ in this process to ensure we do it right:

It starts with better understanding how we currently use our energy, where we can sensibly reduce our demand, and thinking about what we will need in future.

We want to be sensitive to what the community wants, balancing protecting our most cherished places with pragmatic recognition that we may have to make some compromises elsewhere.

We are initiating a consultation process to help us understand these needs and preferences, which will inform our longer-term community area planning.  At the same time, some options are ‘no brainers’ or ‘no regrets’ components of such a plan:

Developing and delivering support services that can help each of us understand the issues and make better informed energy choices is one essential part of the picture.

A growing number of homes already have solar panels installed, as given the current price of energy from the big power supply companies, home generation from a solar photovoltaic (‘PV’) system is financially viable.  Increasingly, appropriate battery storage can help improve the case. But not everyone can afford to buy a PV system, while others may not be able to install solar on their home.  We want to address that.

Conversely, we have many farm and other commercial buildings which could potentially ‘host’ community-owned solar PV generators, generating electricity for use directly on site, with export of surplus production potentially used to meet demand from other local consumers.  We want to deliver more affordable energy to the host businesses and put the excess power into our local energy market – again at an affordable price to the end user.  This reduces the energy cost burden on local homes and businesses, with the savings potentially helping improve living standards, support business reinvestment, and so build a stronger, more economically resilient community.

Repowering Abergwaun Community Turbine (ACT)

Delivery Timeframe: 18-24 months (+ 20 years)

Transition Bro Gwaun is a joint partner with Parc y Morfa farms in the Abergwaun Community Turbine.  That turbine has been producing green electricity at Trebover Farm, less than half a mile to the south of Fishguard, since 2015. 

The current device has recently shown some intermittent reliability issues, while wind energy experience has evolved since 2015.  Our team is currently looking to ‘repower’ the turbine – i.e. take the current generator down and replace it, preferably with a somewhat larger model.

The replacement device would have a bigger ‘head’ on a slightly taller tower, making the blade tip about 50% taller than the current device, but it will be more than double the maximum power output and will generate at least 3.5+ times the amount of electricity annually.

In addition to generating revenue for TBG’s Community Climate Fund, repowering would mean rather than generating electricity for about 218 average UK homes as the current turbine does, we could produce enough electricity each year to power the equivalent of more than 750 homes.

We intend to submit an application for planning consent in Summer 2024, with the intent that the new turbine will be operational before the end of 2025, if our planning application is successful.

This is a key initial goal, and we are really pleased to have the support of both Fishguard town council and Scleddau community council for that plan.

Developing Rooftop Solar

Commercial sites

Delivery Timeframe: 6-12 months (+ ongoing)

Large commercial buildings can be very suitable host sites for rooftop solar PV systems, particularly where the building has a high demand for electricity during daylight hours.  In such cases, the requirement for power can align well with the typical generation profile of solar PV.

Having initiated a feasibility study of rooftop PV coupled with battery storage for two local dairy farms we are now looking for additional sites to explore that could allow us to increase local generation.  Our initial ambition is to identify 300-500 kW of technically viable commercial rooftop solar PV.  By scaling up the overall size of our Solar PV portfolio we hope to attract significant capital from grants, loans and crowdfunding to allow TBG to generate revenue, immediately kick-starting our ambition to create a self-funding solar PV installation cycle. 

We are initially seeking large commercial buildings with at least 150 sq. m. of roof area and an existing 400V / 3-phase grid connection on which we can install solar panels.

  • Transition Bro Gwaun would own and operate the solar system.
  • The roof owner would get electricity from the panels at a discounted rate (rate TBC).
  • Surplus electricity would be marketed locally by TBG
    (This is our ambition. Initially we expect any exports will be sold to the ‘grid’ under a Smart Export Guarantee contract, which will create revenue for re-investment).

In line with social enterprise principles (TBG is a registered charity as well as a company limited by guarantee) the majority of surplus revenue generated from energy sales will be reinvested towards further renewable energy installations and the Community Climate Fund for projects within Fishguard, Goodwick and the surrounding area, accelerating our plan to generate enough renewable energy to power out community by 2035. 

Domestic sites

Delivery Timeframe: 12-24 months (+ ongoing)

Over the last 15 years, solar PV systems on residential properties have become a familiar sight.  With improvements in technology, increased installer experience and industrial scale manufacturing contributing to reduce the cost of installing a PV system, alongside huge increases and enormous volatility in the price that we pay for electricity, installing a home solar PV system is generally a financially sensible move these days.  Energy bills are reduced and nowadays having a PV system installed tends to add value to residential properties.

Even so, the majority of our homes still do not incorporate a solar PV system.  Some of this stems from uncertainty about how to proceed and who to trust, while some may relate to the difficulty of finding available local installers interested in doing the work.  For many people though, the up-front cost remains the major obstacle.

We intend to tackle all of these barriers, working with reputable local installers, to enable more domestic buildings to benefit from rooftop solar PV.  We’d ideally like to see solar PV installed on every appropriate roof in the area, so that everyone can benefit directly from affordable, locally produced, renewable solar power.

In the medium-term we expect to offer a residential rooftop solar scheme, potentially ‘recruiting’ at the street or neighbourhood level with a focused installation programme to enable affordable solar installations with multiple finance options ranging from direct purchase, through low-interest loans and even simply buying solar energy without ever owning the system via a local energy market arrangement where that is the most appropriate solution.

The local energy market model is also a recognition that not everyone can install a PV system on their home.  For those living in rented properties, Houses in Multiple Occupation, flats and similar, installing a rooftop PV system may not be possible.  We still want those living in such properties to be able to benefit from the local energy revolution, with the chance to buy locally produced electricity at a fair rate. See Local Energy Market below for further information.

Community Heat

Delivery Timeframe: 2-5 years (+ ongoing)

We recognise that to meet the objective of a low fossil-fuel future, we urgently need to tackle the transition to electrical energy for space heating.  Heat demand, particularly driven by household space heating over the winter accounts for well over 50% of our total annual energy consumption.  Electrical forms of heating, backed by a reliable renewable electricity supply, are essential if we are to make the necessary headway on reducing environmentally damaging emissions associated with fossil-fuel combustion.

Appropriate and effective installation of heat pumps in particular must become a part of our mindset, given the significantly lower input energy required for the output that these systems deliver.  Essentially a heat pump requires some 50-75% less input energy than even the most efficient fossil-fuel boiler – or even the most efficient electric radiator – to deliver the same amount of heat.  That means less need for electricity generation, so fewer power stations / turbines / solar farms…

This is not going to be simple.  We need to simultaneously tackle improving the insulation of our homes and businesses, so we retain the heat we produce for longer and need less heat overall to keep our living spaces warm.  That requires some specialist external contractors which we do not yet have in sufficient numbers.

However, we will begin the task of advising on the available options, working with other trusted local organisations to deliver this advice most effectively as a starting point to offering appropriate heat-pump installations, again via trusted installation partners.

We are also seeking to initiate a pilot project to demonstrate an approach for local area community heat delivery via a shared-loop heat system, making use of communal heat pumps and small-scale heat storage in the home.  We anticipate that this will enable our community to operate a mini district heating service, with a simple and affordable fee structure for heat, rather than needing to buy expensive oil, bottled gas or ineffective night-storage heaters.

Local Energy Market

Delivery timeframe 2-5 years (+ongoing)

A key aim of the REAP project is to deliver energy at an affordable rate.  We hope to achieve this by creating a local energy market, enabling TBG to sell any locally generated excess energy that would normally be sold to the power company to local residents instead.  This concept, although not new is still difficult to implement as there are several key challenges that need to be overcome.  However, the basic principle is quite straightforward:

The local market consists of local generators (or producers) and local consumers. You can be a part of the market as a producer, a consumer or even a ‘prosumer’ (a producer-consumer).

Producer members may have excess power at certain times that gets exported to the electricity grid. 

Consumer members create the ‘demand’ and can buy the ‘surplus’ local power for a discounted rate.

Both producers and consumers must have a ‘time-of-use’ meter (i.e. a smart meter) installed so that the surplus export can be matched to local demand.

If there is enough demand locally for the surplus generation, then the producer(s) gets a ‘match’ price for their exported power.

If there is not enough demand locally for the surplus generation, then the producer gets a lower export price for any part of the surplus which can’t be ‘matched’.

There are a number of challenges to overcome before implementation and we welcome volunteers that may want to help with this challenge.

Further information on Energy Local clubs: https://energylocal.org.uk/

What we are considering

We live in an area blessed by an abundance of wind energy as well as waves and ocean currents.

We recognise that not everyone loves wind turbines.  However, community scale wind turbines, sensitively sited, have the potential to help meet our energy needs in winter: when the temperature outside goes down, our energy consumption goes up, and when the sun is not shining, the wind is very likely blowing.  We are continuing to explore opportunities for further community-scale devices, particularly to help meet our seasonal energy needs in future.

While our preference is to install solar PV systems on buildings at or close to the point of use, we also recognise that there may be a need for some larger-scale ground-mounted solar with storage in our plans to create additional renewable ‘baseload’ power.  We will consider appropriately sited larger solar developments which could help deliver affordable local energy commensurate with the local need in the medium-term.

Hydropower and marine technologies such as wave, tidal and ocean current energy converters are much less mature and generally more complex and costly to install and operate than solar and wind but are worth monitoring as they could potentially form a part of the future generation mix.

Could locally produced hydrogen form part of our future energy system, either as a partial zero-carbon replacement for natural gas, or as a transport fuel?  We have recently undertaken some initial investigation of the current potential and at this time the business case cannot be made.  However we do intend to revisit this in future as the sector matures.

What we are NOT doing

We are not proposing to install very large-scale wind turbines or onshore wind farms which would be out of context in the local landscape.

We will not be developing large-scale solar farms for the sole purpose of exporting power to the national electricity grid and which do not align with the affordable energy needs of the local community. We will not be replacing (or duplicating) the existing electricity grid; we will be working with the local grid operator (National Grid Electricity Distribution) to make best use of the system that is currently available to us.

Renewable Energy Advice and Support

If you are interested in understanding more about energy saving tips and renewable energy systems, we have created a summary of support materials and resources we hope you will find helpful.  However, if you still have questions and would like to discuss further with a member of our team, please call in at our office, 8A Main Street, Fishguard (Open Door Hours – Wed 4pm-6pm and Thursdays 11am-1pm) or leave your details via our contact page and a member of the team will get back to you.

Energy Saving

Energy saving is as important as creating green energy through renewable generation.  If we can reduce our demand for energy, we don’t have to generate as much.  Not only does this reduced energy bills, but will also result in fewer Solar PV, Wind Turbine and other forms of energy generation being required.  Each installation requiring large amounts of money, raw materials, manufacturing (usually abroad), transportation and planning, even before installation.  We are blessed with beautiful coastlines and countryside in Pembrokeshire, and we want to maintain this for generations to come by creating local green energy to match local demand, but only as much as we need.

To start making a difference and for simple energy saving tips such as LED light bulbs, radiator reflective sheets etc., please see:

https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/hub/quick-tips-to-save-energy/

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/energy-saving-tips

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEGs)

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a UK government backed initiative that places a requirement on larger electricity suppliers to pay small-scale generators for low-carbon electricity they export back to the National Grid.  For homes and businesses with Solar PV (or certain other technologies) installed by appropriately registered contractors, the SEG can enable the system owner to register as a SEG generator and earn money for the excess electricity which is surplus to what they can use.

The export price varies considerably from one supplier to the next, so it can pay to shop around. Also, in general, the SEG is LESS valuable to the system owner than directly using the electricity generated.  Currently the best SEG price for surplus PV generation is around 15p/kWh, whereas if the system owner were able to use that electricity directly (known as ‘self-consumption’) they would avoid buying ‘imported’ energy at typically 25p/kWh.

Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) – https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/smart-export-guarantee/#:~:text=If%20you%20have%20an%20energy,may%20choose%20to%20do%20so.

List of Smart Export Guarantee suppliers – https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/seg-supplier-list

Solar PV

In the UK, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on building rooftops are an increasingly familiar site. Typically, a number of panels (or modules) are connected together to form an array, which is mounted on a supporting framework above the existing roof.  The array is connected to an inverter which controls and ‘conditions’ the electrical output to match the grid electricity supply. Various protective switchgear will be required, and a meter is normally included, with the solar supply feeding directly into the building supply.

In essence, modern grid-connected PV systems are broadly similar: that is highly modular, rather straightforward to install for qualified installers, robust and reliable.  PV systems are designed to last for 25 years or longer, generally requiring little user intervention and limited maintenance.

PV generation correlates to the amount of light ‘seen’ by the panels, so for most solar systems in the UK, output is generally highest towards the middle of the day and between March and September, when the sun is highest in the sky.  Of course, this does mean that overnight PV panels are not generating electricity, and it may also mean that at certain times of the day and year the system may produce more power than can be immediately used within the building.

Grid-connected PV systems can generally export this surplus production to the wider electricity network, where it becomes part of the general supply mix, contributing to the electricity needs of other consumers. Increasingly, including batteries in the system can be worthwhile to store some or all of the surplus, normally for use within the host building outside of daylight hours.

Thinking about installing PV?

TBG recommends only using MCS registered installers.  Local registered installers can be found on the MCS website: https://mcscertified.com/find-an-installer/

Note: To benefit from a Smart Export Guarantee, you will need to supply your electricity provider with an MCS certificate and confirmation letter from the local grid operator (National Grid Electricity Distribution) that your installation grid connection has been approved. MCS registered installers will provide both these documents along with quality of workmanship guarantees.

Solar power calculator – https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/tool/solar-energy-calculator/

Wind Turbines

Domestic: (5kW to 25kW)

The cost of a system will depend on the size and the mounting method.

As an indication, a typical 6kW pole-mounted system currently costs around £35,000 including equipment and installation.  It must be noted however that the wind energy resource can vary considerably from site to site and even with the localised position or ‘micro-siting’.  Site-specific features which create turbulence (i.e. most significant obstacles that can interrupt or deflect wind flow) can have a significant bearing on energy generation so it is essential that any wind turbine is installed by an experienced wind energy professional.

Building-mounted turbines may cost less to install than pole-mounted ones, but they tend also to be smaller, less efficient and can experience higher turbulence which may cause vibrations and noise issues resulting in underperformance and dissatisfaction. TBG is generally not advocating building-mounted turbines at this time.

General advice: https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/wind-turbines/

Commercial (25kW+)

TBG can help to explore feasibility study for wind turbines, we have experienced team members that can help guide you through planning and install process.  Please contact our REAP team to discuss further.

Mini-hydro power

A guide to Mini-Hydro – https://british-hydro.org/i-want-to-install-a-hydro/#:~:text=A%20Guide%20to%20Mini%20Hydro,a%20generator%20to%20produce%20electricity.

Energy storage systems

Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)

Energy Storage Guide –https://www.carbontrust.com/our-work-and-impact/guides-reports-and-tools/energy-storage-guide

Environmental impact of battery storage systems – https://cat.org.uk/info-resources/free-information-service/energy/battery-storage/

10 benefits if battery storage: save 85% on energy bills & more – https://givenergy.co.uk/10-benefits-of-battery-storage-save-85-on-energy-bills-more/

Benefits and applications of Energy Storage systems – https://www.veolia.co.uk/benefits-and-applications-energy-storage-systems

Vehicle to grid (V2G)

Electric vehicle (EV) owners are able to utilise their car battery as a buffer by using a charger with ‘vehicle-to-grid’ (V2G) capability.  Vehicle battery capacities are much larger than a typical domestic battery, even a small car can hold up to 40kW of charge that could be used in the home or sold back to the grid at a higher rate.

Thermal Energy Stores

https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/thermal-energy-stores/

Heat Pumps

Energy Savings Trust, In depth guide to heat pumps – https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/in-depth-guide-to-heat-pumps/?_gl=1*1m7c7j1*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTQ3NTc1NTI2OC4xNzIwNTIyMDU1*_ga_GPYNXFLD7G*MTcyMDUyMjA1NC4xLjAuMTcyMDUyMjA1NC4wLjAuMA..

Shared/communal ground loops

What is a shared ground loop – https://www.thermalearth.co.uk/shared-ground-loop-arrays#:~:text=A%20%E2%80%9Cshared%20ground%20loop%E2%80%9D%20is,to%20a%20communal%20ground%20loop.

Home insulation

Insulation of older housing stock is a difficult issue to resolve as some solutions can cause secondary issues later so careful selection is required.

Retrofit Cavity Wall Insulation – What You Need To Know – https://www.buyinsulationonline.co.uk/blog/retrofit-cavity-wall-insulation-what-you-need-to-know#:~:text=BRE%20has%20warned%20that%20retrofitting,Wales%20along%20the%20West%20coast.

Post Installation Performance of Cavity Wall & External Wall Insulation – BRE Wales Report – http://www.cewales.org.uk/files/2414/7505/5257/Post_Installation_Performance_05_FINAL_ENG.pdf

A Consumer Guide to issues arising from Cavity Wall Insulation (CWI) installations in Welsh properties – https://www.gov.wales/issues-arising-cavity-wall-insulation-cwi-installations-guidance

Solid wall insulation – https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/solid-wall-insulation/

Solar Thermal

Solar Water heating – https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/solar-water-heating/

Smart Meters

Smart meters explained – https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/guide-to-smart-meters/

Smart meters: a guide for households – https://www.gov.uk/guidance/smart-meters-how-they-work

Smart meter user guides – https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/your-energy-meter/find-the-user-guide-for-your-smart-meters-in-home-display/

Smart meter problems and how to solve them – https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/smart-meters/article/smart-meters-explained/smart-meter-problems-and-solutions-a32nQ4f3LKV8#my-energy-supplier-isnt-getting-meter-readings-from-my-smart-meter

Support Grants

Grants are available and widely advertised in e-mails, leaflets and social media.   There are some criteria that must be met in order to qualify for support with renewable and energy saving products, these generally focus on residents receiving benefit or having a registered disability.  If you feel you may qualify there are many companies that will help you through the application process.

Home energy and fuel poverty – https://www.gov.wales/home-energy-fuel-poverty

NEST

Energy advice – Nest provides free, impartial advice to:

  • make sure you’re on the best energy and water tariff. 
  • check whether you are entitled to any benefits. 
  • lower your carbon footprint.
  • install your own low carbon technology.

Free energy efficiency improvements – You may be eligible for home energy efficiency improvements including:

  • insulation
  • a heat pump
  • solar panels

https://www.gov.wales/get-help-energy-efficiency-your-home-nest

Energy Company Obligation (ECO)

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is a government energy efficiency scheme in Great Britain designed to tackle fuel poverty and help reduce carbon emissions.

The scheme has seen 4 iterations, ECO, ECO1, ECO2 and ECO3. A brief overview can be found below. The ECO3 scheme closed on 31 March 2022 and the ECO4 Order came into force in July 2022. ECO4 applies to measures installed from 1 April 2022 and will cover a four-year period until 31 March 2026.

https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/environmental-and-social-schemes/energy-company-obligation-eco

https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/private-housing/energy-efficiency

https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/great-british-insulation-scheme-and-eco4-local-authority-administration-guidance

Useful links and news articles

Useful links

News articles

Standards

Organisations

The REAP Team

We have volunteers and paid members of staff working together on this exciting project who we hope to introduce in a bit more depth very soon:

  • Tom, Chris, Mike and Martin are our REAP volunteers
  • Paul, Cali, Ed and Lynda are our funded members of staff

If you want to know more about REAP and our ambitious plans or even get involved, please contact us via our enquiry form.

Funders & supporters