From the Conference

We had an engaging two days at our annual conference in the Centre for Alternative Technology in Machynlleth. As a team, we think of conference as one of the highlights of the year. There is always an excitement and energy when our members come together to share ideas and plan a way forward for the sector.

The Shepard Theatre at CAT was at capacity – with over 100 people present, a significant jump from the 80 attendees we had last year.

The two District Network Operators in Wales SPEN and NGED sponsored the event, and were available throughout the two days at the DNO hub – giving the chance for members to drop in and speak to engineers and officers from the two organisations.

Grace James, a recent graduate from the University of Exeter opened the conference with an insight into her research on the reaction against net zero in communities in Powys, and some of the reasons behind them. This was followed by an open discussion on some of the points raised by Grace.

We were also addressed by Rebecca Evans MS, Cabinet Secretary for Energy. Michael Shanks MP, Minister for Energy held a Q and A over teleconference, both representatives voiced their support for the community energy sector.

The afternoon session saw our hosts at the Centre for Alternative Technology offer tours of the site with many enjoying the facilities on offer.

The following morning, we kicked off with a workshop – a chance for members to provide feedback on our draft manifesto for the next Senedd. There was a lively discussion, with healthy, broad support for the policies outlined. We will now work as a team to refine the draft manifesto, ready for publication in September.

It’s become tradition during conference to hand over our final session to our members as a chance for them to show the amazing and inspirational work that is happening at the grassroots of Welsh communities. This year we heard about the climate assemblies work headed by GwyrddNi and Hay Resilience, the Gwyrdd Bangla project working to decarbonise faith and community buildings for the South Asian community in the south of Wales, and about Cambrian F.C.’s hydro project.

Some reflections from social media and other feedback:

“A brilliant team, super-powered to deliver great impact through generating ideas, connections and zing.” – Gareth Clubb

“Highlight was hearing from some of the fantastic community energy projects making real positive impact in their communities. Community owned renewable energy offers Welsh people the opportunity to genuinely benefit from energy generated in Wales - learning the lessons of history - not taking us backwards whilst others plough ahead to a clean energy future.” – Julia Davies, We Have the Power

“I had such a brilliant couple of days at the Ynni Cymunedol Cymru | Community Energy Wales conference this week. So many interesting conversations and great ideas to take away..” – Zoe Holliday, Community Energy Scotland

“Da iawn Ynni Cymunedol Cymru | Community Energy Wales for a positive two days at the brilliant setting of the Centre for Alternative Technology. Inspirational stories all round and some fantastic connections made.” – Owen Llewellyn Jones, Green Gen Cymru

“An upbeat keynote on the prospects for the sector and acknowledgement of the wider benefits projects provide to communities from UK Energy Minister Michael Shanks gave a real sense of a brighter future.” Richard Clay

“I can't emphasise enough, how inspiring working with this sector is. A huge thank you / diolch yn fawr to Community Energy Wales for inviting us and to all those that spent time talking to us.” – Sarah Jeffery, NGED

“What an energising experience, spending two days diving back into the world of community energy at Ynni Cymunedol Cymru | Community Energy Wales conference” – Alex Wilcox Brooke – Pure Leapfrog

“Lots of inspiration, shared expertise - and fun! Thanks to the organisers for putting together such a good programme.” Lee Tufler, Severn Wye

“Fantastic Community Energy Wales 2025 Conference at the ever-inspiring Centre for Alternative Technology. I’m so grateful to be part of the community energy family” Meleri Davies

“Thank you for all the work you and all at CEW have done to make the conference a great success. We were able to network and meet so many people, we learnt a lot and enjoyed ourselves.” Mike Eccles, Hay Resilience and receiver of free solidarity ticket.