Solar cooperative Egni will install rooftop solar panels for three schools, a care home and a crematorium in Newport as part of the government’s support to increase community-owned renewable energy in Wales.
The installation project received funding of approximately £2.35 million. The solar panels will generate 2 MW of electricity. It is expected to provide significant savings on electricity bills and 3,700 tons of carbon. Egni will own and manage the panels.
Deputy Climate Change Minister Lee Waters MS said the government wants Wales to generate renewable energy to meet its energy needs and use the surplus energy generated to tackle nature and climate emergencies. To achieve net-zero by 2050, the Minister said the amount of green energy will have to be increased five-fold over the next 30 years. He added, “Community owned energy builds local energy resilience through cleaner, greener means – vital in our efforts to reach a Net Zero Wales by 2050, and help schools, hospitals and communities protect themselves against rising living costs.”
Egni has already connected solar panels, generating 4.3 MW of energy to 90 buildings in Wales. The government aims to increase renewable energy generation by community groups and public bodies by more than 100 MW by 2026.
