Projects expected to cut carbon emissions and reduce energy bills for local education
TWO PRIMARY schools in Newport have received new solar panels as part of a £9 million investment aimed at decarbonising public buildings and cutting energy costs.
Great British Energy, the UK Government’s publicly owned energy company, is providing the funding, with delivery in Wales overseen by the Welsh Government.
The installations have been completed at Glan Llyn Primary School and Jubilee Park Primary School through the Welsh Government’s Wales Funding Programme.
Glan Llyn Primary has also received additional support for battery storage through the Welsh Government’s Ynni Cymru fund, allowing the site to operate as a Smart Local Energy System. These systems are designed to improve local energy efficiency and sustainability by storing and managing renewable power.
Major carbon savings expected
The projects are expected to deliver significant environmental benefits.
Jubilee Park Primary School is forecast to cut its carbon emissions by around 10 tonnes of CO2e each year, while Glan Llyn Primary School could reduce its carbon footprint by approximately 71 tonnes of CO2e annually.
Rebecca Evans, the Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, said the scheme forms part of wider plans to deliver a net-zero public sector.
“We are on a clean energy mission to deliver a net zero public sector by 2030 and make Wales greener, stronger and ready for the future,” she said.
“Solar panels on these two Newport primary schools will cut costs and carbon, as part of our efforts to transform community energy in Wales.
“The funding from Great British Energy, delivered by Welsh Government, is a testament to the shared priority of the UK and Welsh governments to tackle climate change and maximise the benefits for communities.”
Lower bills for schools
UK Government Energy Minister Michael Shanks said the investment would help schools reduce energy bills and reinvest savings into education.
“Great British Energy is helping schools in Wales to cut their energy bills with clean, homegrown solar power – meaning more money can be spent on children’s education,” he said.
“This is our clean energy mission in action, supporting public services through lower bills for communities in Newport and across the UK.”
The Welsh Government’s programme is being administered by Salix Finance, which supports energy efficiency projects in the public sector.
Gbenga Adenaike, Wales programme manager for Salix Finance, said: “Putting solar panels on school roofs is one of the smartest investments that can be made.
“With support from the Welsh Government and Great British Energy, as well as ourselves at Salix, schools can cut their energy bills, reduce carbon emissions and reinvest savings directly into pupils and classrooms.”
Educating the next generation
Yvonne Forsey, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Waste and Recycling at Newport City Council, said the scheme would also help pupils learn about sustainability.
“Every penny counts for our schools, and these projects will make a very real difference to our schools and the communities they serve,” she said.
“Solar panels on school roofs not only generate clean energy and cut running costs but they help our children learn about sustainability and climate action.
“This is about the future – and the future is about them.”
