CAT & Zero Carbon Britain Research

Centre for Alternative Technology 

The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) is an Eco-centre in Powys Powys, mid-Wales, which is dedicated to demonstrating and teaching people and students sustainable development. The centre was founded in 1973 by a businessman-environmentalist called Gerard Morgan Grenville. The centre was opened on a disused quarry site near Machynlleth where there is a seven acre site. 

CAT, no longer concentrates its efforts exclusively on alternative technology, but provides information on all aspects of sustainable living. It is open to visitors, offers postgraduate degrees as well as shorter residential and one day courses; and publishes information on renewable energy, sustainable architecture, organic farming, gardening,and sustainable living. CAT also has its own education programmes for schools and sells environmentally friendly items through its site shop, and restaurant. 

CAT originally relied on a collection of water, wind and solar power, but it began experiencing  power shortages so the centre decided to receive power from the National Grid. In 2004, a large new wind turbine was built using funds generated by selling shares in the project to the community, Bro Dyfi Community renewables. From 2009 September onwards CAT operates a micro-grid system which includes elements of on- and off-grid operation.

CAT gets its water from an existing man-made reservoir in the slate quarry on which it is based and processes its own sewage in its reed beds.

Zero Carbon Britain 

Zero Carbon Britain is a research project created by CAT to show that a modern, zero emission society is possible using the technology we already have available today. 

Why do we need net zero emissions? 

The Paris agreement is demanding that the whole world must reach zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. There is no other option to avoid climate change. 

CAT's zero carbon Britain project offers evidence based solutions required for changing and visualising the future. They have risen to the demands of climate science to reduce fear and misunderstandings, they are focused on open, new and positive solution based conversations. 

They explore all aspects of climate solutions from renewable energy and energy efficiency to diets and land use where they looks at how these solutions can work together to build a zero carbon world.

Notes from Visit