Local representatives and community stakeholders have visited Infinis’ Gowerton Clean Energy Hub near Swansea as plans progress for a new Community Benefit Fund, which will allocate more than £116,000 to local projects and organisations when it launches this autumn.

The visit brought together Infinis, construction partner Greenvolt Next UK, elected representatives and members of the local community. The group was updated on progress at the solar development and discussed the wider benefits it can bring to the area.

A Community Benefit Panel is currently being assembled, bringing together people with local knowledge of the communities surrounding the project to help inform how the funding is used. GrantScape will manage the application and funding process, with further details on eligibility and how to apply to be shared ahead of the autumn launch.

Bruce Heppenstall, CEO of Infinis, said:

“Gowerton Clean Energy Hub is an important investment in renewable energy for South Wales, but our commitment to the area is much broader than the electricity the project will generate.

We want local people to have a meaningful voice in how the project can benefit their community. The Community Benefit Panel will play an important part in that, helping to make sure the funding supports local priorities when applications open this autumn.

Alongside that, we’re already engaging with local schools and creating practical opportunities for young people to learn about and experience the growing renewable energy sector.”

Melanie James, Infinis’ Community Link, said:

“There are so many different groups doing fantastic work in and around Gowerton, so this fund has the potential to make a big difference in the area.

It’s important that people who know the area and understand the community have a voice in how the fund develops. I’m looking forward to being part of the panel and helping make sure the funding supports projects that really matter to local people”

Community engagement around Gowerton is already underway. Infinis has worked with educational partner Megawatt to deliver interactive energy workshops at Cadle Primary School and Ysgol Gyfun Gŵyr, with a further workshop planned at Gowerton Comprehensive during the autumn term.

Infinis will also provide an internship opportunity linked to the Gowerton project, giving a local young person the opportunity to gain practical experience and insight into the renewable energy sector. This will be the first opportunity as part of the Infinis Futures scheme, launching shortly.

Once operational, the 50MWp solar development is expected to generate renewable electricity equivalent to the annual needs of around 22,400 homes, save approximately 9,000 tonnes of CO₂e each year and deliver around a 26% biodiversity net gain. The project is also supporting approximately 25 local jobs during construction.