A new clean‑energy project in Devils Bridge, Ceredigion, is testing whether locally produced green hydrogen can replace diesel in forestry machinery — positioning mid Wales, home to a substantial forest industry, as a live case study for decarbonising fuel‑intensive rural industries.
According to Dr Simon Minett, Managing Director of Challoch Energy Ltd, the project is designed to deliver solutions that work in practice, not just on paper: “This project will help Mid Wales cut emissions, support jobs, and build a stronger rural economy by using wind power to produce hydrogen. Forestry is essential to the region, and we want to explore solutions that work in practice, not just in theory.”
Wood Central understands that the initiative forms part of Growing Mid Wales’ Whole System Research for Innovation and Decarbonisation (WSRID) programme, which is funded through the Welsh Government’s Climate Innovation portfolio. The programme supports applied research that trials practical decarbonisation solutions in real‑world rural settings.
As it stands, forestry remains a major employer in Mid Wales, supporting around 14,000 jobs, but the sector is still heavily reliant on diesel‑powered equipment. The feasibility study will assess whether wind‑generated hydrogen can provide a viable, cleaner alternative, reducing emissions while strengthening the region’s long-term resilience.
In a joint statement, Bryan Davies, Leader of Ceredigion County Council, and Jake Berriman, Leader of Powys County Council, said the WSRID programme is backing “practical, place‑based solutions that respond to the needs of our rural economy while contributing to Wales’ net‑zero ambitions.”
Working with the Mid Wales Timber Transport Group — including Natural Resources Wales, local councils across Ceredigion, Powys and Carmarthenshire, timber processors, hauliers and community stakeholders — the project will identify suitable locations for wind turbines and hydrogen production facilities. A strong emphasis is being placed on local ownership and community benefit, ensuring energy generation and use remain within the region.
The Challoch Energy study is one of four clean‑energy projects currently supported through WSRID. Collectively, they are examining solutions ranging from converting livestock slurry into renewable energy and nutrient products to developing digital net‑zero planning tools for dairy farms, and piloting community‑focused energy systems that improve local resilience.
