Primary schools receive solar panels with GBE funding

Two primary schools in Newport, Wales, have received solar panels as part of £9 million funding to decarbonise public buildings and reduce energy bills.

The funding comes from Great British Energy and is being overseen by the Welsh Government.

Glan Llyn Primary School and Jubilee Park Primary School have both received funding from the Wales Funding Programme.

Glan Llyn has also received funding for battery storage from the Welsh Government’s Ynni Cymru fund. The site is now a functioning Smart Local Energy System.

Jubilee Park is now expected to make carbon savings of around 10 tonnes CO2e per year and Glan Llyn will cut its carbon footprint by around 71 tonnes CO2e per year.

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."