THE co-founder of Wales’ largest community energy project has been recognised in the New Year’s Honours List.

Dan McCallum, of Awel Aman Tawe, has been awarded an MBE for his services to community energy in Wales.

The company commissioned its 4.7MW wind farm, which is situated in the Swansea Valley, in January 2017.

The project has generated more than 10GW of electricity, enough to supply about 2500 homes per year.

It has raised over £2.5 million from a community share offer, the highest ever in Wales, and is looking to raise £3 million so the project is owned by as many people and organisations in Wales as possible.

On receiving his award, project manager Dan said: “This is great recognition for the whole community energy sector in Wales.

“Our project has become part of a movement in Wales to secure more community ownership of renewable energy which now involves many people and organisations.

“It has been tough to develop our project, but inspiring to now see many projects now being developed by communities throughout Wales.

“Community energy has the potential to bring together communities together in the struggle to combat climate change, and to keep funding from their energy resources, within those communities.”

The wind farm has a capital value of £8.25m and is co-funded by a £5.25m loan from Triodos.

“The community energy story is ongoing in Wales and people can still join it,” he added.

“Our own share offer is still open on www.awel.coop, and other exciting projects which have open share offers or are about to launch new offers include www.ynniteg.cymru, Carmarthenshire Energy, www.egni.coop and www.gowerpower.coop

“The work spans all technologies including wind, hydro and local supply innovation Ynni Ogwen.

“There has also been award winning collaboration between local authorities such Swansea Council and Swansea Community Energy .

“Moving forward, there is an exciting new joint venture on the Alwens forest in North Wales between Innogy and Community Energy Wales which will see a 15 per cent community stake in the proposed new wind farm there.

“Welsh Government also deserves recognition as it has backed all the above projects through the Ynni Lleol programme of funding and advice.

“It has also given policy support with the new target for local energy of 1GW by 2030 and all renewables to have an element of local ownership by 2020.

“This has helped draw in additional resources into the community energy sector.

“Profits from our wind farm will be used to tackle fuel poverty and develop innovative, renewable energy projects.”