Agenda item

To receive the report of the Director, Corporate Estates, which provides an update regarding the work underway on the development of renewable energy projects and certain other Carbon Reduction related issues.

The Head of Energy and Carbon Reduction provided a further update to the Climate Change Cabinet Steering Group with regards to the progress made on the development of renewable energy projects and certain Carbon Reduction related issues.

Members were directed to section 5 of the report which detailed an update on current renewable energy projects.

The following projects were highlighted to Members, outlining the successes and future works required with key updates being provided from the contents of the report:

-          5MW Solar Farm Installation;

-          Taffs Well Thermal Springs;

-          Amgen Developments (Nant y Gwyddon wind turbine and Bryn Pica site)

-          9MW Windfarms;

-          3MW Windfarm;

-          Hydro Electricity Opportunities

-          ULEV Project;

-          Carbon Reduction Programme;

-          Carbon Footprint Project

The Officer referenced section 6 of the report which provides Members with an update on initiatives established in support of the work of the Steering Group noting that Officers are meeting regularly and working collaboratively towards the Councils goal of becoming net zero by 2030.

The Chair thanked the Head of Energy and Carbon Reduction for the informative update and was pleased to hear about project developing around Solar and Wind Energy. The Chair recognised the importance of the Taffs Well Thermal Springs and urged for a visit to the site as the project is very innovative. At the request of the group, the Chair identified the need for further exploration into the feasibility of hydro-projects across the County Borough.

One Member raised a query regarding Heat Pumps and the further need for investigation to identify their efficiency long term within County Borough homes. The Officer acknowledged the importance of the project concerning the Thermal Spring and confirmed to Members that A visit to the Thermal Spring would look to be facilitated. It was encouraged throughout the meeting by the members as its seen as an innovative scheme that benefits the Council and its residents.

The Chair acknowledged the challenge of providing heat pumps for residential use at affordable costs at present but highlighted the work of the Councils Heat and Save team who work with residents currently to provide suitable assistance in installing heat pumps.

Another Member also raised the potential for the Council to revisit Hydro-Schemes within a Community scale to encourage Community ownership, development and involvement. The Director Corporate Estates informed Members that discussions are currently ongoing with one Community Group in Clydach Vale but at present there are currently approximately 14 Hydro Schemes that are being reviewed, some of these which are Community based. He advised Members that the Council would be willing to engage with the Community to determine the viability of co-ownership schemes. One Member discussed the potential for Rhondda Cynon Taff Council to look to pursue schemes that utilise Mines Water as an energy source compared to Warm Springs

The Climate Change Cabinet Steering Group RESOLVED:

1.    To note the contents of this update report as part of the ongoing work of the Climate Change Cabinet Steering Group.

2.    To receive a future report on the Solar Farm Installation, to highlight and realise the growing potential of theseparticular proposals.

3.    To receive further reports in 2022 providing further updates on progress.