A UK Government Minister has hailed a Machynlleth organisation for doing "vital work" to assist the UK’s target of meeting Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Minister for Pensions and Financial Inclusion Guy Opperman was joined by Montgomeryshire MP Craig Williams to meet with Centre for Alternative Technology(CAT) CEO Peter Tyldesley, Head of Development Eileen Kinsman and Head of Graduate School Adrian Watson, alongside Paul Allen from CAT’s Zero Carbon Britain team to discuss what’s needed for the UK’s transition to zero carbon emissions.

Staff at CAT say the visit comes at a "vital time" for climate change as the UK prepares to host the COP26 Summit in Glasgow in November.

"Climate change is the biggest challenge that faces governments of the present and future. Now is the time for us to act quickly and decisively in order to deliver on our ambitious climate targets," he said.

"It was brilliant to visit the Centre for Alternative Technology to hear of new innovative ideas and ways we can meet our climate change goals through the muscle of technological advances.

"As Pensions Minister, it is particularly encouraging to see pension funds invest in these technologies of the future."

Originally a visitor centre founded in a disused slate quarry, CAT’s Graduate School of the Environment opened in 2007 to provide knowledge and skills to help people develop solutions to environmental challenges. So far around 2,000 people have studied for a postgraduate degree with CAT, going on to use the information and understanding gained at CAT to make a real difference in the world.

MP for Montgomeryshire Craig Williams MP said it had been a "productive discussion".

"It was brilliant to be able to welcome Guy to Montgomeryshire. It was a very timely visit from the Minister, as focus grows on ensuring pensions fund investments aid the race to Net Zero," he said.

"During our visit to CAT we had a very productive discussion of how we can achieve change at scale, in ensuring the UK is able to meet its ambitious climate targets.

"Montgomeryshire is incredibly excited to have such a dynamic and trailblazing organisation as CAT, as we build towards a zero carbon economy by 2050."

CAT CEO Peter Tyldesley added: "Moving pensions and investments into climate solutions such as renewable energy is a vital part of the transition to zero carbon, cutting greenhouse gas emissions whilst creating new skilled jobs and improving health and wellbeing.

"We welcomed the opportunity to discuss with the Pensions Minister the measures and policies needed to build a zero carbon economy, and to share CAT’s work providing skills and knowledge to help with the transition."