Glan Llyn and Jubilee Park primary schools (Image: Google Maps and Max)
Last Updated: 7 hours ago
Two primary schools in Newport have been fitted with solar panels thanks to £9 million in funding aimed at decarbonising public buildings and cutting energy costs across Wales.
Glan Llyn Primary School and Jubilee Park Primary School are among the beneficiaries of the Wales Funding Programme, backed by Great British Energy – the UK Government’s publicly owned energy company – with the Welsh Government managing delivery of the funding in Wales.
Jubilee Park is expected to save around 10 tonnes of CO2e annually, while Glan Llyn is anticipated to reduce its carbon footprint by approximately 71 tonnes CO2e per year. Glan Llyn has also received battery storage funding through the Welsh Government’s Ynni Cymru fund, turning the site into a functioning Smart Local Energy System designed to boost energy efficiency and sustainability in local communities.
The programme is being administered by Salix Finance.
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, 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 Michael Shanks 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.”
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.”
