Local Primary School tour of the new Coed Ely Solar Farm in collaboration with Rhondda Cynon Taff’s (RCT) Eco Avengers programme.
20 children from Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Tonyrefail Primary School stepped out of their classes and into a day of renewable energy, engaging with a trip to the impressive 9,400 panel solar farm and an interactive session with Rhondda Cynon Taff’s Eco Avengers Programme.
The students learned about renewable energy production and witnessed first-hand how the solar farm operated, generating 6MW of electricity, 1MW of which is exported to the nearby Royal Glamorgan Hospital. The team from Vital Energi and Rhondda Cynon Taf were there to help children understand how the installation will reduce carbon emissions by 7,300 tonnes and why that’s important for the climate and the planet.
Lisa Martin, Social Value and Customer Care Manager for Vital Energi explains: “Vital Energi’s core mission is to protect our planet for future generations, so an event like this really brings home how important projects like the Coed Ely Solar Farm are in bringing children on a journey with us to build awareness, empower their understanding and inspire action for a sustainable future."
In addition to the tour, pupils attended RCT Council’s Eco Avengers Workshop, which involved creating their own renewable energy superheroes, teaching children the pros and cons of different non-renewable and renewable energy sources, whilst also discussing what energy we use in our everyday lives. At the end of the workshop, pupils were awarded a certificate of participation stating that they are now officially part of the Eco Avengers.
Councillor Tina Leyshon, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Youth Participation and Climate Change, said: “We’re extremely proud of this project and the positive impact it will have on the environment, our carbon emissions and the sustainability of Royal Glamorgan Hospital. It’s been great to collaborate with Vital Energi Utilities taking local school children around the solar farm and helping them learn more about how the renewable technology works and why it’s important that we look after the planet.”
The school visit is the latest social value initiative on the project which has been designed to maximise local economic spend, increase local employment and support local charities to leave a lasting legacy.
Lisa Martin concludes, “We’ve also been lucky enough to tour and donate to the nearby Coalfields Flower Farm gaining a true understanding of their social enterprise and the impact their work has on the mental health, and wellbeing in the community.”
Posted on 14/07/2025