Designing a Smart Local Energy System for a Circular Economy Park
CWM Environmental is seeking innovators to deliver a feasibility study into a Smart Local Energy System (SLES) / microgrid approach for Nantycaws (CWM Gwyrdd). The feasibility will focus on overcoming local grid import/export constraints by maximising local use of energy through on-site generation, storage and local supply opportunities, alongside enabling infrastructure such as EV charging.
Opportunity
Challenge opens
26/03/2026
Challenge closes
06/05/2026
Benefit
CWM Environmental is seeking near-market solutions and delivery partners to undertake a short feasibility study into a Smart Local Energy System (SLES) / microgrid approach at Nantycaws (CWM Gwyrdd). The key challenge is overcoming current power import and export restrictions within the local network, which otherwise constrain the delivery and operation of the wider Circular Economy Park programme. The feasibility study should focus on maximising local energy use rather than increasing grid export. This includes exploring on site generation, storage, and intelligent energy management, as well as assessing opportunities to supply energy to nearby organisations and/or the local community. The study should also consider enabling infrastructure such as EV charging, including provision for Public Service Board users. A successful solution should demonstrate how a SLES / microgrid could deliver: · Carbon reduction and improved energy resilience (reduced exposure to grid constraints and price volatility). · Improved material recovery and operational efficiency through reliable, fit‑for‑purpose energy and enabling infrastructure. · Economic growth and green jobs through investment readiness and deployment activity at scale. · Contribution to the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act goals, net biodiversity gain and wider social value/community benefits. A viable SLES / microgrid approach would unlock delivery of the wider CWM Gwyrdd programme and associated regional benefits This challenge is part of the Southwest Wales Net Zero Industry Launchpad iX (Innovation Exchange) pilot, enabling selected innovators to access Innovate UK grant funding of up to £25,000 to deliver a 3-month pilot project through the iX programme.
Background
The Net Zero Industry Launchpad is using the Innovate UK Business Connect Innovation Exchange (iX) platform to offer an exciting new pilot competition using the iX platform to support challenges that benefit or impact on Southwest Wales.
The aim of this competition is to support outstanding innovation projects that will impact on Southwest Wales. The pilot - South West Wales Launchpad Net Zero iX Challenges, aims to foster collaborative partnerships between a challenge holder & solution provider to deliver a project that that will accelerate the adoption of industrial circular economy, net zero or decarbonisation innovations within and across sectors for the Net Zero Industry launchpad in Southwest Wales.
CWM Environmental is a Teckal organisation wholly owned by Carmarthenshire County Council, delivering local authority service requirements alongside commercial operations through CWM Skips, Merlin’s Magic Compost, Canolfan Eto Reuse Village, and wider recycling and waste infrastructure.
- Residential MRF producing refuse-drived fuel (RDF) to energy-from-waste (EfW).
- A Resource Recovery Facility (RRF) due to open in Spring 2026, processing up to 80,000 tonnes of co‑mingled and kerbside‑sort dry mixed recycling, including advanced film recovery.
- Four Household Waste Recycling Centre’s (HWRCs) and a Commercial Recycling Centre (CRC).
- A capped landfill at Nantycaws, which ceased operations in 2017, forming part of the wider site footprint.
Local grid power import/export restrictions are currently a major constraint on the scale and pace of the CWM Gwyrdd programme at Nantycaws, creating a clear need to assess a Smart Local Energy System (SLES) / microgrid approach that prioritises local use of energy rather than reliance on additional export capacity.
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