Welsh communities are set to benefit from a share of £10 million to generate local renewable energy and reduce energy bills.

The Welsh Government has announced the third round of the Ynni Cymru Grant Capital Scheme for 2026-27 which opens for applications this month.

The scheme deploys Smart Local Energy Systems (SLES) - helping communities use clean energy to cut costs, create jobs and build stronger local infrastructure.

This can include installing solar panels, heat pumps, EV charging points and battery storage, and is open to community energy organisations, social enterprises, public sector bodies and SMEs.

It builds on the success of two previous rounds of Ynni Cymru funding, which has supported 78 projects across Wales with £22.9m investment.

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans said: "This £10 million investment puts communities in control of their energy future. From city leisure centres to rural community halls, smart local energy systems are cutting bills, reducing emissions and protecting vital services.

"After this round of funding opens, we will have invested more than £32 million in total to transform community energy in Wales, helping more communities than ever to generate their own clean energy. Our investment is delivering real change — making Wales greener, stronger and ready for the future."