Category: News

Meet Jude, our newest team member

What’s your role at Ynni Teg?

As a Development Manager, I’m supporting the delivery of our current pipeline of projects and developing new opportunities.  I’m also leading on our communications activities. 

Tell us a bit about you

I’m from South Wales, and studied a BSc at Aberystwyth University and an MA in Environmental Management at USW.   I’ve been working on various sustainable projects in Wales for over 20 years in the public, private and third sectors, including developing large scale solar farms and a district heat scheme.

And when you aren’t at work?

Outside of work I enjoy walking, trying out new crafts and am a founder member of a local book club.  My other hobby is starting up eco-friendly small businesses and I’ve set up and sold several.   I also love cats and have two of them. 

Communication & Engagement Manager

Location: South Wales (Cardiff & Newport)
Hours: Part-time (30 hrs/week, flexible 4-day week)
Salary: £30,000 (Pro-rata, FTE £37,500)
Contract: Fixed-term until 28th February 2027

Are you passionate about people, community empowerment and clean energy? Ynni Teg is on a mission to bring affordable, locally-owned energy to communities in Wales and we need a Communication & Engagement Manager to help make it happen!

You’ll lead community outreach for an exciting new research and development project, working with the Bengal Dragons Foundation to engage diverse urban communities in Cardiff and Newport.  

From organising home visits and working with local residents to shaping PR campaigns and managing stakeholder relationships, you’ll be at the heart of a project that could transform the energy future of communities.   You’ll also oversee a small team and ensure the project is inclusive, impactful and ready for the next stage of implementation.

Why Join Us?

• A flexible 4-day work week—because work-life balance matters
• A chance to make a real impact in tackling energy inequality
• A role where your voice and ideas shape the future of community energy
• Be part of a small friendly and supportive team

Apply Now!

Send your CV & cover letter to info@ynniteg.cymru

Deadline: Monday 14^th April midday.

Be part of the movement for a cleaner, fairer energy future!

Meet Jon, Executive Director

What’s your role at YnNi Teg?

As the Executive Director, I help our voluntary board members to develop and manage our resources and activities to meet the aims of the society and, externally, seek to further the broader development of the community energy sector.

Tell us a bit about you

After an uncertain few years drifting around the country from job to job, I trained to become a landscape architect, which married my interests in the natural environment and planning and designing the man-made world. My first professional job brought me to Cardiff for what I thought would be a few years, but 30 plus years later I’m still happily settled here with my family. During that time, I’ve worked in the public, not-for-profit and commercial sectors and been a part owner and director in several successful and unsuccessful businesses, including a solar farm development company and an energy supply company. I’m also a volunteer director with TrydaNi-Chargeplace Wales Ltd, a social enterprise aiming to establish a network of EV car-sharing clubs across Wales.

And when you aren’t at work?

I’m reading a lot – mostly history books and science fiction or spy novels. I also enjoy bimbling along the byways and back roads of Wales – on foot or motor bike – and doing the occasional DIY project, though not very good at it.

We’re proud to announce that Ynni Teg has been awarded funding for the Gwyrdd Bangla project in South Wales.   Working with Bengal Dragons Foundation, this initiative will bring solar PV, battery storage, solar heating, and EV charging to seven mosques and community buildings—helping to reduce carbon emissions, lower energy costs, and create a greener future for all.

This phase is funded by Ynni Cymru, with support from WGES. Huge thanks to our partners and everyone supporting this journey toward a cleaner, more sustainable Wales.

New solar PV array to complement YnNi Teg’s existing wind turbine 

In an exciting development for the community energy sector in Wales, YnNi Teg and our contractor Vital Energy, have completed construction and integration of a new solar PV farm with our existing wind turbine at Bwlchgwynt Farm, near Meidrim, Carms.

Marrying wind power that peaks in winter with sun power peaking in summer is a significant step forward in maximising the efficiency of clean energy production at a shared location. It also demonstrates how innovative solutions can overcome constraints on the electricity distribution network and is an exemplar for other community energy organisations in Wales.

Representatives from Welsh Government, the Ynni Teg staff and Board members, along with the landowner and contractor gathered together for an official launch by Mari Arthur, Chair of the Board.  

A Collaborative Approach to Renewable Energy 

Since its establishment in 2017, YnNi Teg has been a pioneer in community energy. The organisation operates a 900kW wind turbine at Bwlchgwynt Farm, commissioned in August 2017. The turbine generates 1,800–2,000 MWh of electricity annually—enough to power about 500 homes. 

Now, by incorporating a solar array into this setup, YnNi Teg is expanding its renewable portfolio, demonstrating how wind and solar technologies can complement each other to maximise energy output. The innovative approach leverages the site’s existing grid connection to add 576kW of solar generation capacity. 

Innovative Solutions to Grid Limitations 

The capacity of the electricity distribution network, the ‘grid’, to accept new connections for renewable energy is very limited, so it’s essential to make the most of any secured capacity. At Bwlchgwynt, our grid connection has a 900kW export limit. Most of the time, the wind turbine operates below this limit, leaving “spare” capacity that can be utilised. By adding a solar array to the site, we can maximise the use of the existing connection without needing a new one, which would be difficult to secure.

To ensure we stay within the 900kW export limit, we comply with G100 regulations, which require active management of generation from all connected assets. At Bwlchgwynt, this means monitoring the output from both the wind turbine and the solar array. If necessary, the solar output will be reduced to ensure the total generation does not exceed the limit. This careful management allows us to use the grid efficiently and integrate additional renewable energy.

“This is a great example of how we can make the most of our renewable energy resources,” said Mari Arthur, Chair of the Board at YnNi Teg. “we’re able to add solar generation without needing a new grid connection, making the project both cost-effective and environmentally sustainable.  This is the route to building stronger local economies.”  

Community-Focused Energy for the Future 

As a Community Benefit Society, YnNi Teg is dedicated to reinvesting profits into local communities while supporting the broader development of the community energy sector. Income from the Bwlchgwynt turbine already contributes to paying interest to our members and funding local community projects such as Meidrim Community Council, Primary School, Church and Carmarthen Foodbank.

The new solar array will enhance this impact, generating additional clean energy and further strengthening the financial and environmental benefits for the community. 

Looking Ahead 

The Bwlchgwynt Solar Array is just the beginning of YnNi Teg’s broader ambitions. By successfully implementing this combined wind-and-solar project, the organisation hopes to promote similar initiatives across Wales, demonstrating how community energy projects can overcome technical challenges to deliver significant benefits. 

“We see this as a blueprint for the future,” added Jon Townend, Executive Director at Ynni Teg. ‘’By combining technologies in this way to make the most efficient use of existing infrastructure, the community energy sector will continue to be an effective part of the transition to a cleaner, lower cost, energy future.’’

As wind and solar join forces at Bwlchgwynt Farm, YnNi Teg reaffirms its role as a leader in sustainable, community-focused energy innovation.

Ynni Teg is grateful to Welsh Government, the Energy Service and the Development Bank of Wales for their support in making this project happen.

Meet Research & Support Officer, Weronika

What’s your role at YnNi Teg?

I’m a Research and Support Officer. My responsibilities include conducting targeted research on various aspects of the energy sector, such as renewable energy technologies, policy developments and market trends. This involves analysing data, preparing reports, and providing insights to inform our strategic initiatives and decision-making processes.

Tell us a bit about you

My background is in architecture and architectural technologies. I completed BSc in Architectural Design and Technology at Cardiff Metropolitan University. I’m currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Cardiff University. My academic research centres around Smart Local Energy Systems in the built environment. Through my studies and research, I aim to contribute to the development of cutting-edge strategies that leverage smart technologies to create sustainable, energy-efficient built environments.

And when you aren’t at work?

Outside of work, I enjoy hiking and traveling. Being from Poland, I often visit Europe to explore new cities and reconnect with my heritage. I have a keen interest in design that extends beyond architecture, particularly in sustainable design. Additionally, I enjoy gardening and listening to music.

Meet Guy, Development Manager

What’s your role at YnNi Teg?

I’m a Development Manager and my role is to work as part of a small team to identify and develop new opportunities and deliver a pipeline of projects.  I’m currently project manager for the installation of a 576kW Solar PV scheme next to our wind turbine near Meidrim as well as leading on the development of a portfolio of Solar PV private wire projects.  

Tell us a bit about you

Originally from near Chester, since 1972 I have lived in and around Aberystwyth and currently live near the village of Llanrhystud.  I studied my Agriculture and Forestry BSc and Rural Resource Management MSc at Bangor University.  I have nearly 30 years’ experience working in the public, private and community sectors with technical delivery and project management roles focussing on agriculture, environmental monitoring and, since 2010, renewable energy projects. 

And when you aren’t at work?

I am a volunteer director for the Shared Earth Trust, a 40 acre site near Lampeter managed for nature that provides eco-accommodation, training courses and events.  I am also a director of Grannell Community Energy which operates a 500kW wind turbine near Cribyn in Ceredigion.  I enjoy walking (with our dog), gardening and cooking. 

Meet Jane, Development Manager

What’s your role at Ynni Teg?

As a Development Manager, I deliver a current pipeline of projects and look to develop new opportunities.  This can be as leading contact or working within the team to deliver multi-faceted projects for example working with the West Wales Bangladeshi Community to be more sustainable and reduce their impact on climate change.

Tell us a bit about you

From Liverpool, I have also lived and worked in different areas across Wales before settling in Pembrokeshire in 2008. I studied my Environmental Studies BA, at Bangor University and was awarded an Energy Management & Conservation MSc (Eng), at Middlesex University.  Over 25+ years I’ve worked in the public, private and community sectors within development roles focussing on energy efficiency and latterly renewable energy projects.

And when you aren’t at work?

I live on a small holding overlooking the Preseli Hills, we have a small eco business offering off grid glamping units and camping, we have worked to attract wildlife and offer a haven for birds, bats and other critters.  I enjoy walking our dog, visiting the beach and many other places in the area, also good food! 

We invited local businesses and organisations to join us and project partner Ynni Sir Gar for breakfast for the official launch of Carmarthen Town Community Energy Project. 

Working on behalf of Carmarthen Town Council, we’re offering free energy assessments to help local businesses/organisations to identify areas where they can optimise energy usage. 

This information will also help us identify larger scale projects so we can seek funding to help save money and move Carmarthen Town towards it’s net zero goals.

The project is funded by the UK government and Levelling Up.