Welsh Government Energy Service: Leading the Charge Towards a Greener Wales

The Welsh Government Energy Service (ENERGY SERVICE) has been at the forefront of Wales’ ambitious journey towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and boosting locally owned renewable energy.

Since 2018, ENERGY SERVICE, with support from Local Partnerships, has been providing invaluable technical, commercial, funding, and procurement advice to public sector organisations and community enterprises. This collaborative effort is driving Wales closer to its goal of becoming a net zero nation by 2050. Here’s a look at the significant impacts and achievements of ENERGY SERVICE over the past year.

Making an Impact: 2018-2023

The Welsh Government Energy Service (ENERGY SERVICE) has been instrumental in achieving remarkable milestones since its inception. Here are some highlights:

• Investment: A staggering £169.8 million has been invested by public sector bodies and community enterprises in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and zero-emission fleet projects.
• Energy Generation: The installation of 40.5 MW of new renewable energy capacity, sufficient to power 16,000 homes.
• Savings Forecast: A projected £320.8 million in local income and savings over the lifespan of the projects.
• Carbon Savings: An estimated reduction of 695,000 tonnes of CO2e, equivalent to the emissions from driving a car around Wales 1.7 million times.

Spotlight on 2022-2023 Achievements

Energy Efficiency

In the past year, ENERGY SERVICE supported 23 energy efficiency projects across 15 organisations, leading to:

• Carbon Savings: 74,700 tonnes of CO2e.
• Cost Savings: An estimated £34 million over the projects’ lifetimes.

Case Study: Cardiff and Vale University Health Board 

With an investment of £7.1 million, the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board installed energy-saving technologies, including LED lights, solar PV panels, and energy management system upgrades. These improvements are expected to save £0.9 million annually on energy bills and significantly enhance patient care environments.

Renewable Energy

ENERGY SERVICE facilitated £4.2 million in investments for standalone renewable projects, resulting in:

• Energy Generation: 1.97 MW of new energy capacity.
• Carbon Savings: 13,384 tonnes of CO2e.

Case Study: Bonwm Hydro 

The 100kW Bonwm Hydro scheme, developed by Corwen Electricity Co-operative, harnesses water from the Nant Llechog stream to generate electricity. This project is set to displace nearly 1,000 tonnes of CO2e emissions and generate £220,000 for the community over 26 years.

Decarbonising Vehicle Fleets

ENERGY SERVICE supported 38 fleet projects across 25 organisations, with a total investment of £12 million in electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, leading to:

• Carbon Savings: 7,700 tonnes of CO2e.

Case Study: Swansea City Council 

Through a £0.3 million grant, Swansea City Council acquired 34 electric vehicles, resulting in a £0.3 million public sector energy bill saving and a reduction of 512 tonnes of CO2e.

Broader Initiatives and Regional Planning

Social Care Decarbonisation

The The Welsh Government Energy Service (ENERGY SERVICE) developed the “Social Care in Wales – Decarbonisation Route map towards Net Zero by 2030,” outlining 15 key initiatives to help the social care sector reduce its carbon footprint.

Regional Energy Strategies

In collaboration with Local Partnerships and key stakeholders, ENERGY SERVICE developed Strategic Action Plans for regional energy strategies. These plans aim to promote sustainable growth, reduce fuel poverty, and support Wales’ net zero ambitions.

Driving Behavioural Change

ENERGY SERVICE conducted extensive research and provided strategic recommendations to facilitate behavioral change in the public sector. This included promoting flexible work policies and improving public transport to reduce commuting emissions.

The Welsh Government Energy Service, with the support of Local Partnerships, continues to drive significant progress towards a sustainable future for Wales. By supporting diverse projects in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and fleet decarbonisation, ENERGY SERVICE is making substantial strides in reducing carbon emissions and fostering local energy generation. The collective efforts and strategic investments detailed in this report underscore the transformative impact of ENERGY SERVICE in building a greener, stronger, and fairer Wales.

For more insights into these initiatives and to learn how ENERGY SERVICE can support your community or organisation, contact Local Partnerships