The Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability was scheduled to consider an application for funding under the Carmarthenshire Community Renewable Energy Grant (CREG). This grant aims to support community assets with energy efficiency measures and renewable energy projects.

Carmarthenshire Community Renewable Energy Grant (CREG)

The meeting was scheduled to consider an application for funding from the Carmarthenshire Community Renewable Energy Grant (CREG). This grant, funded by the Local Growth Fund (LGF) for Wales and Egni Sir Gâr¹, is designed to help community-owned or community-managed assets improve their energy efficiency and implement renewable energy projects. The overall aim of the fund is to reduce carbon footprints and support the long-term sustainability and resilience of these vital community facilities.

The report pack indicated that the fund has a total capital budget of £465,000, with £350,000 secured from the LGF and £115,000 from Egni Sir Gâr Cyf., a community energy society established by Carmarthenshire County Council. Grants offered range from £1,000 to a maximum of £25,000, covering up to 80% of eligible costs.

The application scheduled for consideration was from the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) in Llanelli². The WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre, a significant nature reserve, was seeking a grant of £16,118.49 towards a total project cost of £20,317.42. The requested funding was to be used for the installation of four electric vehicle (EV) charge points. The report pack noted that the WWT already utilises 100% renewable electricity and that the EV chargers would be located in the car park to optimise their use by school mini-buses, visitors, and staff.

The report pack stated that the project was recommended for approval, with the recommendation being:

that a grant of £16,118.40 is approved towards the purchase of EV chargers to be sited at WWT Llanelli. The project demonstrates strong strategic fit with the objectives of the fund, has secured match funding and will deliver lasting environmental, economic and community benefits.

The report pack also highlighted that a key risk associated with the Local Growth Fund is its short delivery timeframe, with all third-party grants requiring financial completion by the end of February 2027.