Gower Power, the Wales based Community Benefit Society, have launched a community share offer for the 4.99MW Brynwilach Solar Farm in the hope of generating over £2.7million in community benefits.
The Solar farm has been operational since 2017 and is generating 4.8GW per year, outperforming its generational targets.
In the last five years, Gower Power have received in excess of £55,000 of surplus funds from Brynwilach Solar Farm.
Once under community ownership, the Solar farm will be able to increase its community offering as it is estimated to generate more than £2.7million in the community over the next 23years.
The minimum investment of £250 with a target of £385,000, the share offer is open until October 2023.
These funds are used to support local and environmental benefits; developing more renewable energy projects and establish nature orientated health and wellbeing interventions.
“Brynwhilach contributes to all Well-Being Goals for Wales; supporting us to become more equal, healthy, prosperous, cohesive, resilient and globally responsible, while continuing our cultural heritage of self-sufficiency and co-operative enterprise.” – Mary Sherwood, Grants and Development Manager, Gower Power
The Brynwilach Solar Farm operates on a mixture of Grade 3b and 5 agricultural land (moderate to very poor quality land).
“I am so pleased that Gower Power is representing Wales in this pioneering initiative that will hugely increase community owned solar across England and Wales. Community ownership means money spent on energy is kept within Wales rather than leaking away to distant companies – it’s a more sustainable economic model as well as a more sustainable way of sourcing energy. This Gower Power project is making a great contribution towards Wales meeting its Well-being Goals and its targets for Net Zero.” – Julie James, Minister for Climate Change for the Welsh Government
Gower Power is a part of the Community Energy Together (CET), a collaboration between five community energy groups in England and Wales.
The share offers to fund the transfer of seven Solar farms into community ownership.
Community Ownership Schemes like the Brynwilach Solar Farm allow for cheaper and more accessible renewable energy for local communities.
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