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Conference
Community Energy Wales' Conference
Owning our Energy, Building our Communities
Every year, Community Energy Wales organises a conference that gathers together our membership and other stakeholders in the sector to discuss our future, the amazing work happening today, and the challenges that are ahead of us.
Join us at the Ramada Hotel in Wrexham, 23 and 24 of June.
The policy field for community energy is changing. The publication of the Local Power Plan from the UK Government indicates an uplift in support for community energy. In Wales, Ynni Cymru grants are allowing for community-owned projects to be viable, and a new sector deal could place communities at the heart of energy.
Change is on its way – and the community energy sector needs to be ready for it.
We’ll cover four topics over the course of the two days, all of them focusing on the opportunities that are on their way for our sector. Here is the programme for both days:
Day 1
12:30 – 13:45 Registration and Lunch
13:45 – 14:00 Welcome and Housekeeping
14:00 – 15:30 Building Energy Communities: Community & DNO Partnerships in Action
This session explores how community energy initiatives and Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) can work together to accelerate the transition to a flexible, low-carbon energy system,
Through a series of case studies, we will highlight innovative projects in local energy trading, heat and community-led infrastructure. We’ll examine how these approaches can deliver grid efficiencies, unlock local flexibility and create fairer energy systems.
The session will be interactive, inviting delegates to reflect on practical ways to strengthen collaboration between community organisations and DNOs, and to identify the actions needed to scale impact at pace.
Speakers include:
Meilyr Tomos from Tanygrisiau Heat Project, Dr Brian Condon from Village Heatshare, Andrew Ross from The Centre for Energy Equality, Gareth Farr from Mining Remediation Authority, Richard Higgs from Llanidloes Energy Local Club and Ynni Teg.
Co-chaired by David Witherspoon, National Grid Electricity Distribution & Grace McGovern, SP Energy Networks.
15:30 – 16:00 Break and Networking
16:00 – 17:30 Bridging the gap: supporting and building the grassroots sustainably
There is a wealth of experience, passion, and commitment to community energy across communities in Cymru. The time is right to turn that potential into meaningful action for the benefit of everyone. This will be an interactive workshop session, building upon the wisdom of participants. Facilitators from Community Energy Wales, Corwen Electric, Ynni Sir Gâr and Powys Energy for All.
18:30 – 19:00 Reception with the Distribution Network Operators (DNOs), where there will be an opportunity to chat and ask questions to the DNO's over a glass of wine. Bring a question to Scottish Power Energy Network or National Grid Electricity Distribution – they're there to answer your questions!
19:00 – 20:30 Conference Supper
20:30 – Late Conference Quiz
Day 2
7:45 – 8:45 Breakfast
9:00 – 10.30 Working in Partnership: How local authorities and communities can work together
This session explores how stronger collaboration between local authorities and community energy groups can benefit both sectors. Through case studies, panel discussions, and audience engagement, we will discover practical insights, funding updates, and examples of successful partnership working across Wales.
Speakers include: Elouise Critchley and Isobel Godding from Egni Co-op, Dr Rhys Morgan from Pembrokeshire Council, Ross Cudlipp from Newport Council, Michael Greenough from GB Energy, and Dr Sophie Wynne-Jones from Bangor University.
Chair: Helen Nelson from The Future Generations Commissioner
10:30 – 11:00 Break and networking
11.00 – 12.30 Community Energy Wales Members Showcase: how community energy makes a difference
A chance for members of Community Energy Wales to share their stories, developments and the latest projects they have been working on. How do energy assets allow for the social texture of communities to thrive?
Paula Roberts from Ynni Padarn Peris, Tom Simone from TrydaNi, Peter Stevenson from Llangattock Green Valleys and Guy Hopwood from Ynni Teg.
12:30 – 13:00 Artist’s Response
Meleri Davies will read a poem written during conference with musical accompaniment by Iestyn Tyne.
13:00 – Lunch
Last year’s conference was superb. Great people. Wonderful hospitality. Inspiring venue.Ben Saltmarsh, National Energy Action
The CEW conference was great. The sector has really missed these opportunities to come together and share our experiences. Really good to see old friends and make new ones. Congratulations to all at Community Energy Wales for hosting such a successful event.Grant Peisley - DEG
As A House Becomes Home
A poem inspired by the Community Energy Wales Conference by Hanan Issa, the National Poet of Wales.
Begin with the trees. Ask them for their twigs, their branches.
Gather people. Promise them futures, late night conversations
on the names for wind and rain,
or the difference between downpour and deluge.
To those who confess, “I don’t have the energy,”
offer reassurance. Tell them having time to care is luxury
Begin to burn the money - watch closely as folded disposable notes
dance and shift, returning renewed warmth.
Celebrate the transition - tethered to each of you/ all of you,
feel your feet sinking into soil, as a house becomes home.
Ownerships merge over time -
We own the land.
We own land.
We one land.
We. Land.
Soon our shared muscles will stiffen till memory remains
the only limb we can sway with the wind.
Listen for the children.
Here they come, arms outstretched,
asking for your twigs, your branches.
Hanan Issa
