Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has started work on constructing the new Coed Ely Solar Farm, which will provide enough power for around 8,000 homes annually and provide direct power for the Royal Glamorgan Hospital.
This important project is set to deliver clean, green energy to the local community and significantly support the Council’s ambitious goal to become carbon neutral by 2030.
Councillor Tina Leyshon, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Youth Participation, and Climate Change, commented:
“It’s fantastic to see this project breaking ground as we begin the journey towards completing the Coed Ely Solar Farm. This ambitious project provides a unique opportunity to deliver green energy at a significant scale, feeding energy directly into the National Grid and supporting the energy security of our community and the UK.”
“What makes this project even more impactful is its direct benefit to our local NHS. By supplying the Royal Glamorgan Hospital with low-carbon electricity, we’re helping to reduce its carbon footprint.”
“Additionally, with the site’s reclaimed colliery tip unsuited for agriculture, this project shows how land can be repurposed for clean energy while still supporting local biodiversity. Grazing rights for animals will continue, demonstrating that solar energy projects can coexist with farming and enhance biodiversity.”
The majority of power generated will contribute to the National Grid, while power will also be directly supplied to the Royal Glamorgan Hospital in Llantrisant, aiding in its decarbonisation efforts.
Linda Prosser, Executive Director of Strategy and Transformation and Executive Lead for Decarbonisation across Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, said “We are delighted that on peak summer days the whole hospital will be powered by solar energy. This will have a significant positive impact on our decarbonisation and ‘Green CTM’ commitments and how we can deliver healthcare in a sustainable way for future generations.
“However, this scheme is not the end of the story at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital, and we will be delivering more renewables and low carbon technologies in future to further decarbonise the hospital’s energy demands.
“Additionally, we are proud to work with our partners at RCT County Borough Council and believe that this scheme is a great example of positive collaboration and partnership working between Health Board and Local Authority.”
Delivered in partnership with Vital Energi, the solar farm project reinforces Rhondda Cynon Taf’s commitment to creating sustainable energy solutions.
Adam Roche, Head of Pre-construction for Vital Energi explains: “As we transition from fossil fuel to a low-carbon society sites like this reclaimed colliery spoil tip can be repurposed and continue to contribute to the UK’s energy infrastructure, but in a renewable way. This project is also a fantastic opportunity to invest locally by hiring local subcontractors, employees and apprentices as well as partnering with a range of local causes so that in addition to delivering an important project, we can leave a lasting, impactful legacy.”
In addition to the solar panels, Vital Energi will install critical infrastructure such as substations, inverters, a private wire network to the hospital, and robust security measures.
