The first ‘Clean Energy Fund’ investment has been awarded to a community-owned pub in Gwynedd, here’s the story of Tŷ’n Llan.
Tŷ’n Llan is a cheerful community pub in the village of Llandwrog, Gwynedd, run and supported by Menter Tŷ’n Llan, a Community Benefit Society created to take on its ownership. The latest chapter in the pub’s history is their recent success in securing funding from the Clean Energy Fund.
TŶ’N LLAN’S STORY
With the closure of Tŷ’n Llan in 2017 residents of the area were left with nowhere to meet and socialise. Three years on, the pub was bought by the community and restored with support from our Social Investment Cymru team. Since reopening, it has quickly become a popular local hub and an important meeting place for residents and visitors alike.
Keen to build on its goal of being more sustainable and environmentally responsible, Menter Tŷ’n Llan applied for support through the Clean Energy Fund. It was great to see the organisation become the first to receive an investment from the scheme.
The pub plans to use the funding to support the installation of a ground source heat pump, ground-mounted solar photovoltaic panels, and EV charging points.
Wyn Roberts, Chair of Menter Tŷ’n Llan, said: ‘This investment will strengthen Tŷ’n Llan as a viable community-owned hub, as we reinvest savings into jobs, volunteering, and activities that bring people together.’
A PLANET FRIENDLY APPROACHE TO FUNDING
Gwenith Elias, Clean Energy Investment Manager, WCVA: ‘Through Social Investment Cymru at WCVA we have been pleased to fund Tŷ’n Llan since its purchase, so it’s a real pleasure to be able to help them on this next stage in their development.
‘The economic as well as environmental benefits this scheme brings are significant and very much in line with our planet-friendly approach to financing voluntary sector organisations in Wales. We look forward to seeing them go from strength to strength.’
Cllr Gary Pritchard, Leader of Ynys Môn Council, said: ‘It’s fantastic to see the fund already making a difference to communities across North Wales. By investing in clean energy and decarbonisation projects, organisations can lower costs, improve efficiency and bring new opportunities, while helping us build a greener future for the region.’
WHAT IS THE CLEAN ENERGY FUND?
To support businesses and voluntary organisations to develop local clean energy initiatives, Ambition North Wales launched a £24.6 million Clean Energy Fund in 2025. The scheme was developed in partnership with our Social Investment Cymru team who are leading on the voluntary sector sub-fund.
The sub-fund has been designed for charities, social enterprises, and community-led projects to offer support for sustainably tackling rising energy costs. We are working in partnership with Community Energy Wales to deliver £5 million of funding to the voluntary sector in Wales.
FIND OUT MORE
If your organisation is looking for clean energy investment, the fund is currently open for applications. You can read more on our Clean Energy Fund page.
You can also contact our Social Investment Cymru team for a discussion on 0300 111 0124 or email sic@wcva.cymru.