A town in the South Wales Valleys that was once at the centre of iron making and coal mining is set to become the first low carbon town in Wales and one of the first in the UK.

The latest renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency measures will be championed in Aberdare as part of the wider initiative to establish the Heads of the Valleys region as one of the largest low carbon zones in the UK.

This innovative move is being driven forward by the Heads of the Valleys strategic regeneration programme and designed to create economic benefits - including the development of a new industry base with new job opportunities - as well as social and environmental benefits.

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Ambitious targets have been set for the 15 year Low Carbon Zone project, which initially includes:

• assessing 65,000 homes for energy efficiency measures
• improving the energy efficiency of 40,000 homes including the installation of renewable energy technologies where appropriate
• developing the largest concentration of renewable energy businesses in Europe

In the first year of the Aberdare project 500 of the 1500 social housing properties in the town will be targeted with around 300 renewable energy systems installed.

Measures are also underway to develop low energy street lighting, support energy efficiency measures for businesses and provide improved public transport links. Utility companies will also be encouraged to supply smart meters to help users conserve energy consumption.

The recently announced British Gas Green Skills Centre in Tredegar – the only one of its kind in the UK - will support training contractors to gain the necessary skills.

(CD/BMcc)