Written question WQ93890

Development of mine water heat schemes is one of the many potential routes to decarbonise heat in Wales as outlined in the recently published Heat strategy for Wales. Developers could fit into many categories, it could be a single building owner looking to decarbonise their heat, a community scheme or a large-scale heat network scheme.

The Welsh public sector is actively seeking out low carbon heat opportunities in their drive for net zero by 2030. The Welsh Government Energy Service (WGES) supports community and public sector bodies to deliver on Welsh Government commitments, for example to increase locally owned renewable generation and have a net zero public sector by 2030. The Energy Service delivers a technical support service that focusses on the introduction and support for low carbon energy, promotes sustainable energy sources, reduced use and energy efficiency.

Developers who are community enterprises or public sector can get into contact with Ynni Cymru as well as WGES. For community enterprise developers, the Development Bank for Wales also provides the Green Business Loan Scheme which provides access to fully or part-funded consultancy support and discounted fixed interest rates for energy efficiency measures and low carbon heat installations, this loan is also available to businesses. In addition, Business Wales offers a wide range of advice and support including from Decarbonisation Advisers to support businesses to adopt or improve environmental strategies, and work towards creating resource efficient and resilient businesses.