Net Zero Living: Pathfinder Places Phase 2 – Pathfinders

We will refine the legal structure and financial model to overcome the barriers of smart local energy systems being perceived as high risk for investment. We will reduce this perception of risk by creating Community Energy Services Company (CESCO) with multiple income streams and assets to reduce the risk. A slightly larger project will also be of interest to investors. We will use two locations -- Bethesda and Blaenau Ffestiniog - as examples to base the format of an innovative CESCO to manage the local generation via a local energy market to provide power to EV charging, and heat and power to households and businesses at a reduced rate compared to a standard supply. The heat network will be fed by communal heat pumps and we will work to refine the design to meet local needs especially those of the most vulnerable. We will work on engagement in Bethesda and Blaenau to encourage participation in a heat network and community transport, will and tailor the design to their needs. Alongside this we will continue to develop means to provide area wide retrofit schemes to reduce costs. This will ensure that the project is inclusive to all demograhics as possible.

This work will strengthen our case to get investment and grant funding to demonstrate the financial model and then replicate it.