Welsh trustees appointed to oversee Bute Energy’s £800m community fund

Daniel Bevan - Editor

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Bute Energy has appointed an independent board of trustees to oversee its new Community Benefit Fund for Wales, a scheme expected to distribute up to £20 million annually and potentially reach £800 million over the lifetime of the company’s planned energy parks.

The fund, structured as an independent charity, is designed to deliver long-term investment into communities located near Bute Energy’s onshore wind developments.

The company said the governance structure would ensure funding decisions are locally led while drawing on national expertise.

The newly formed board comprises Catherine Miller, Tom Jones, Aled Lewis and Chris Johnes, bringing experience across the third sector, sport, farming and grant-making.

Catryn Newton, Bute Energy’s Director of Community Investment and Communications, will join as Corporate Trustee, acting as the link between the business and the independent board.

The fund aims to support local groups, charities and organisations, both by strengthening existing initiatives and enabling new projects that reflect the priorities of communities across Wales.

Catryn Newton said: “I’m honoured to be representing the Corporate Trustee and to have the opportunity to share the insight from Bute Energy’s mapping of community needs with the four fantastic individuals appointed to the board.

“Collectively, we bring years of third sector experience and share a passion and desire to champion and adequately resource the incredible third sector in Wales, to design long-term solutions for some of the most complex social challenges they face.”

The trustees will draw on community insight gathered through Bute Energy’s engagement work, alongside input from local grant panels, to determine how funding is allocated in each area.

The company said this approach would ensure that investment reflects the specific needs of communities surrounding its projects.

Martin Chown, CEO of Bute Energy, said: “The calibre of applicants was exceptional, and we’re thrilled with our Trustee appointments.

“Each one brings a wealth of experience and shares our vision to use renewable energy to unlock the places, projects and ambitions for the futures of our communities.”

If all proposed energy parks are delivered, communities located near those sites will be eligible for funding.

The first to benefit is expected to be the Twyn Hywel Energy Park, located near Caerphilly, where local residents are already working with the board to shape long-term priorities for investment.