Carbon News

Wednesday 16 September 2009

Minister Jane Davidson and deputy Minister Leighton Andrews meet an Aberdare resident who had just washed his clothes with solar heated water

The Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) has this week (September 14) revealed that renewable energy will have a key part to play in its plans to turn Aberdare in South Wales into the country's first 'low carbon town'.

The WAG said that, within the first year of the Aberdare project, around 500 of the 1,500 social housing properties in the town would be fitted with 300 renewable energy systems, including solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and solar thermal hot water heating systems, as well as micro-CHP (combined heat and power) systems and air source heat pumps for hot water.

And, it also said that the project would aim develop the largest concentration of renewable energy businesses in Europe in Aberdare and the surrounding Heads of the Valleys region.

Leighton Andrews, Welsh deputy minister for regeneration, said that negotiations were already underway with a number of indigenous and international companies that have expressed an interest in the plan.

He added: "Our hope is to create a hub of renewable energy businesses in the region. Investment in renewable energy provides real opportunities for Welsh businesses in the design, manufacture, distribution, installation and maintenance of renewable technologies and energy efficient measures and employment."

Aberdare

Once at the centre of Wales' iron-making and coal-mining industries, Aberdare has been selected to champion the measures as part of a wider initiative to establish the Heads of the Valleys region as one of the largest low carbon zones in the UK.

The Heads of the Valleys programme, a partnership between the WAG, five local councils and other stakeholders, is behind the scheme, which is designed to create economic benefits, including the development of a new industry base and job opportunities, as well as social and environmental benefits.

Beyond installing renewable energy schemes, ambitious targets have been set for the 15 year Low Carbon Zone project, such as assessing 65,000 homes for energy efficiency measures and improving the energy efficiency of 40,000 homes.

Measures are also underway to develop low energy street lighting, support energy efficiency measures for businesses and provide improved public transport links. The WAG said that utility companies will also be encouraged to supply smart meters to help users conserve energy consumption.

Welsh environment minister Jane Davidson said: "By becoming Wales's first low carbon town Aberdare will now be at the forefront of bringing about a new way of living within our resources, whilst also ensuring communities and businesses can succeed and grow."