Natural Resources Minister Carl Sargeant has secured £1.5 million from the European Investment Bank to improve the energy performance of public bodies in Wales.

Giving an update on the lead the Welsh Government has taken in delivering local energy generation, Carl Sargeant said the wider public sector also has an important leadership role to play in this area.

Mr Sargeant said: “We are working with local authorities to develop smart, innovative solutions to support local homes, businesses and communities through effective and sustainable use of our resources.

“The extra £1.5m we have secured from the European Investment Bank’s ELENA will deliver over £30 million of low risk investment in energy efficiency over the next three years.”

The Minister added that there is an increasing role for local generation and supply, based on renewable sources, smart storage and local grid management.

He said that local generation and use of energy will have many benefits, creating decent jobs as well as keeping costs down through local ownership.

He highlighted the Welsh Government’s vision for local energy in Wales, the key benefits of which include investment in smarter technologies, supporting jobs, generating clean energy to meet climate change commitments and supporting projects that provide funding directly to communities.