Ynni Cymru – Request for Support

Smart Local Energy System (SLES) projects commencing in 2026-27

Introduction

Ynni Cymru is a Welsh Government programme, delivered with support from Local Partnerships.

Following the successful launch of Ynni Cymru, we are engaging with eligible organisations with projects requiring development support with project delivery in 2026-27 onwards.

Ynni Cymru may be able to provide your project with the following support:

• Specialist SLES support, including advice on technologies.
• Project management, scoping and feasibility support.
• Access to toolkits, including heat technology selection tool and the Wales Energy Storage Tool (WEST) – for battery storage feasibility.
• Advice on routes to market and PPAs.
• Signposting for financing options.
• Initial grid feasibility assessment.

Overview of Ynni Cymru

Ynni Cymru is a Welsh Government scheme with the following objectives:

• To accelerate the transition and deployment of SLES across Wales.
• To expand locally owned renewable energy used and generated in Wales.
• To optimise the efficiency and effectiveness of locally owned renewable energy use and generation projects.
• To facilitate a just transition to net zero, retaining the benefits for Welsh communities.

Smart Local Energy System (SLES) Principles

A SLES joins up different energy generation, storage, demand, and infrastructure assets in a local area, making them operate more intelligently and deliver local benefits.

• Smart – projects utilise data and controls to ensure that energy is used more efficiently and effectively, at the right place and at the right time (e.g. control systems and software for monitoring, automation, artificial intelligence, and/or trading energy).
• Local – projects will be locally owned^[1], they will recognise that different places and communities in Wales have different needs, and benefits will accrue locally (e.g. local ownership, carbon, financial and wider environmental and social benefits).
• Energy System – projects use multiple types of technology (e.g. a combination of local renewable energy generation to facilitate renewable power use, low carbon heating, cooling and hot water, ultra-low emission transportation, demand reduction, co-located renewable energy generation technologies, optimised use of grid capacity, and energy storage). 

^[1] Guidance for developers, local communities and decision-makers. (gov.wales)

Eligible Organisations

• Social enterprises including, but not necessarily limited to:
  • Registered Charities
  • Charitable Incorporated Organisations
  • Community Interest Companies
  • Community Benefit Societies
  • Companies Limited by Guarantee or Shares
• SMEs including agricultural businesses
• Local Government entities including town and community councils in Wales
• Welsh public sector bodies

Read about Ynni Cymru on the Welsh Government website.