Green Valleys

The Green Valleys is a community renewable energy scheme in Wales which has reduced carbon emissions by 20 per cent. Reductions were achieved across 155 households and 4 community buildings, including personal and community transport and the installation of a number of hydro schemes.

News UK January 2010

 * Four community groups to receive a share of £1 million Big Green Challenge Fund, 14/01/10 topic

Green Valleys project in the Brecon Beacons national park won £300,000 in the Challenge. Here’s how they pitched to NESTA:

The Green Valleys is aiming to make the Brecon Beacons region a net exporter of energy, by developing Community renewable energy schemes and supporting communities to reduce their carbon emissions. All revenue from community-owned installations will be reinvested in community-based carbon reduction projects such as electric bike sharing or community woodlands that provide managed wood fuel.

One forthcoming community-owned hydro electric installation will generate 82 per cent of the electricity needed by its community. Combined with five privately-owned installations (that The Green Valleys are also developing), it will reduce the community’s carbon footprint by 137 per cent.

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