Nature centre gets £10k boost in Penmaenmawr

Apr 28 2011 by Rayyan Parry, North Wales Weekly News

A CHARITY is celebrating after plans to install dozens of solar panels were approved by Conwy County Council.

Pensychnant Nature Conservation Centre near Penmaenmawr will install 22 solar panels later this year to help power the building.

It is estimated that the 22 panels, which convert the power of the sun into free energy, will cost around £10,000 and help power electrical facilities.

Julian Thompson, warden at the centre, said: “The reason for the panels is to be more environmentally ethical and get away from dependance on fossil fuels and to use more renewable energy sources.

“We’re glad the plans were approved. We’d like to see more people taking this up, it seems to be the way forward.”

Julian added that the government tariff scheme, which currently pays families who switch to renewable energy for the amount of energy generated, was another incentive to want to install the technology.

The panels will be installed on the farmhouse, out of sight from most people.

He estimates that the centre will save hundreds of pounds during the year, but all the income will go towards a private investor, who has asked not to be named.

The plans were approved by county councillors recently on the third application, but Julian admitted the planning process was bureaucratic .

Future plans include installing a biomass heater that would heat the centre using wood chippings, but Julia added that costs were the barrier at present.

The nature centre, which brings together naturalists and wildlife enthusiasts, continues to pursue its recording of rare and endangered species in Wales.

Penmaenmawr town councillor Dafydd Lloyd Borland welcomed the plans.

He said: “I think sustainable development is the way forward.

“I take my hat off to the organisation for deciding to invest in this technology. People will see the solar panels and think about how they are generate their electricity.”

For more information visit the website www.pensychnant.co.uk

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