With technical guidance and support from the Energy Service, Bro Dyfi Community Renewables expanded its capacity with a new solar array.
Summary
Bro Dyfi Community Renewables (BDCR) is a community benefit society generating and supplying renewable energy in Machynlleth. After over a decade of successful wind turbine operation, in 2021 to 2022 BDCR expanded its capacity with a new 300kW solar array. This hybrid approach helps optimise grid use and demonstrates how to integrate wind and solar on grid-constrained sites. The project also supports wider community resilience through reinvestment of profits into local initiatives.
Our support
The Energy Service provided BDCR with technical guidance and £250,000 in combined grant and loan funding. Support included assistance with Local Energy Fund Loan and Local Energy Grant applications to the Development Bank of Wales and Welsh Government. This funding enabled the solar array installation and helped maximise the project's community impact.
Technology solution
- Two existing wind turbines.
- 300kW solar array installation.
- Hybrid generation model to balance wind and solar output.
- Optimised use of existing grid connection.
- Plans for direct wire renewable energy supply to the Centre for Alternative Technology.
Investment
- £250,000 in grant and loan funding from the Energy Service, Welsh Government, and Development Bank of Wales.
Impact
- Estimated 280 MWh of additional renewable energy generated annually.
- Approx. 845 tonnes of CO₂ saved over the project’s lifetime.
- Creation of temporary and part-time local jobs during design, construction, and operation.
- Financial surplus reinvested into local community projects, including:
- Grants for energy efficiency and climate education via the Dyfi Community Energy Fund
- Support for vulnerable residents through CAMAD’s volunteer services
- Online wellbeing activities to combat isolation via Heart Mind Body Support
- Provision of Chromebooks for pupils at Ysgol Bro Hyddgen
- Weekly free food distribution through Food Justice for All.
We’re grateful for the Energy Service’s support in helping us explore expanding our energy generation capacity. As a community-focused organisation, we see first-hand the benefits that projects like ours can deliver for local people. The additional capacity will help us produce more power and put more of our profits towards supporting community groups helping those who need it most.
Bro Dyfi Community Renewables Committee.
