TWO schools in the Pembroke / Pembroke Dock area - Ysgol Harri Tudur and Pennar Community School - are set to generate clean, renewable electricity on site following the installation of new solar panels.

The installation is part of a collaborative project between Egni Co-op, Awel Aman Tawe, Pembrokeshire County Council, the Welsh Government Energy Service, Ynni Cymru and National Grid Electricity Distribution.

The project has delivered a combined 200kWp of solar generation across Ysgol Harri Tudur / Henry Tudor School and Pennar Community School, helping the two Pembrokeshire schools reduce carbon emissions, cut energy bills and give pupils hands-on insight into renewable energy.

At Ysgol Harri Tudur, the installation has also been supported through new battery storage and electric vehicle charging infrastructure, funded by Ynni Cymru and the Welsh Government Energy Service.

200kWp of solar power is enough to run 2,000 LED classroom lights for five hours a day, every day. The panels will also save 37 tonnes of carbon annually. This is the equivalent of driving 90,000 miles in a petrol car!

Nick South, Education and STEM Manager at National Grid Electricity Distribution, said: “We’re proud to support this fantastic community-led project, which is helping young people in Pembrokeshire learn about the future of energy while benefiting from clean, renewable power generated right at their schools.

“At National Grid Electricity Distribution, we’re here for our customers and communities, investing in the network, enabling more clean energy connections and helping deliver lasting local benefits. Projects like this show how collaboration can unlock new opportunities for schools, councils and community groups across West Wales.”

The scheme has come at no capital cost to Pembrokeshire County Council. Dr Rhys Morgan, Net Zero Carbon Project Manager, said:

“Partnering with Egni Co-op at these schools has enabled Pembrokeshire County Council to deliver carbon savings, curriculum enrichment and reduce our dependence on grid electricity — all at no capital cost to the council. I should like to thank National Grid Electricity Distribution for their generous support in these projects. It is a great example of how collaboration, and a win–win attitude, can deliver tangible benefits to the school community in Pembroke Dock. Looking forward to our next project!”

For Pennar Community School, it’s the successful end to a long-running campaign by pupils for greener energy. Teacher Sian Taylor said: “The Green Team have been asking about the possibility of having solar panels installed for several years, so we are absolutely delighted to finally have them. We’re looking forward to seeing how much energy they generate, and are very grateful to Egni Co-op for supporting us.”

Speaking for the Welsh Government Energy Service, Senior Manager Jim Cardy commented:

“The Welsh Government Energy Service is proud to support Egni Co-op through the Ynni Cymru Smart Local Energy Systems capital grant. Seeing the new battery storage and solar installations come to life at Ysgol Harri Tudur and Pennar is a fantastic milestone. Projects like these demonstrate the vital role community energy groups play in delivering local, sustainable solutions for a greener Wales.”