Low carbon zone starts in valley

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Energy-efficient technology is being installed at homes in a town to turn it into Wales' first low-carbon zone.

New boilers, special energy panels, low energy street lights, and smart meters will be used to bring down energy consumption in Aberdare, Cynon Valley.

And across the heads of the valleys the scheme will cost between £70m and £90m from the public and private sectors over 15 years of the project.

The aim is to make the area one of the biggest low carbon zones in Britain.

Over the first year of the scheme a third of Aberdare's 1,500 social housing properties will be targeted.

Upgrades will include about 300 renewable energy systems, solar thermal hot water heating systems and solar photovoltaic panels for electricity.

Work will also include combined heat and power systems and energy performance checks on each property.

During the 15 year project the aim is to assess 65,000 homes in the region and improve energy efficiency of 40,000.

Assembly government Environment Minister Jane Davidson said the move was part of a drive to meet targets of cutting carbon emissions.

Environment Minister Jane Davidson launched the scheme in Wales

"By becoming Wales' first low carbon town Aberdare will now be at the forefront of bringing about a new way of living within our resources," she said.

The money for the upgrades will come from private sector utility companies and Welsh Assembly Government funding.

One resident in Hirwaun, Marie Thomas, has benefitted from solar thermal panels on the roof of her property which use sunlight to heat hot water.

"The panels have helped me save money, which is the most important thing to me and I know that I'm doing something for the environment too," she said.

The aim is also to create new green energy jobs and businesses connected with the initiative.

Over 15 years the scheme could cost £70m to £90m with money coming from assembly government funding, social landlords and private sector utility companies.