Two Newport primary schools have received solar panels as part of
£9 million funding to decarbonise public buildings and reduce
energy bills.
The funding is being provided by Great British Energy, the UK
Government's publicly owned energy company, with the Welsh
Government overseeing delivery of the funding in Wales.
Glan Llyn Primary School and Jubilee Park Primary School have
benefited from funding under the Wales Funding Programme.
Glan Llyn has also received funding for battery storage from the
Welsh Government's Ynni Cymru fund, making the site a functioning
Smart Local Energy System. These systems help communities
increase energy efficiency and sustainability.
Jubilee Park is expected to make carbon savings of around 10
tonnes CO2e per year. It is anticipated Glan Llyn will cut its
carbon footprint by around 71 tonnes CO2e per year.
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, , said:
“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.
“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.”
UK Government Energy Minister said:
“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.
“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 Wales Funding Programme is being
administered by Salix Finance.
Wales programme manager for Salix Finance, Gbenga Adenaike, 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.”
Councillor Yvonne Forsey, Cabinet Member for Climate Change,
Waste and Recycling at Newport City Council, said:
“Every penny counts for our schools, and these projects will make
a very real difference to our schools and the communities they
serve.
“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.”
