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Low Carbon Future Looks Brighter as Work Starts on Coed-Ely Solar Farm

Work begins on 6MW which will supply 1MW of electricity to Royal Glamorgan Hospital as well as exporting to the grid.

Vital Energi have begun on Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s new Coed-Ely Solar Farm which will export low-carbon electricity to the grid, as well as providing direct power for the Royal Glamorgan Hospital.

When complete, the 9,400 solar PV panels will be capable of generating 6MW of electricity and will deliver strong carbon savings over the project’s lifetime.

Coed Ely Solar Farm Final

9,400 solar PV panels will be installed on site, generating up to 6MW

Solution detail

It’s fantastic that this project has started construction with shovels now in the ground. This ambitious solar farm will give us an opportunity to generate the green energy needed by residents in the very near future, and on a scale required to provide a significant amount of energy into the National Grid and contributing to the UKs energy security needs.

Councillor Tina Leyshon, Cabinet Member, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council

Councilor Leyshon continues, “What makes this project even more significant is that it will help support our NHS, with the solar farm directly helping to power the Royal Glamorgan Hospital in Llantrisant.

“The price volatility we see in global oil and gas markets has highlighted the need for us to increase domestic green energy generation and speed up the transition away from fossil fuels.

“The solar farm is on is a reclaimed colliery, with soil quality not suitable to grow crops. However, grazing rights for animals will continue to be available. The project is an example of how generating solar energy can also have a positive impact on biodiversity and farming.

The project, which is being delivered by Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council in partnership with Vital Energi, Hydrock and Rhomco will not only be fundamental to the council meeting their 2030 carbon neutral target, it will also help Royal Glamorgan Hospital on their decarbonisation journey by supplying 1MW of low-carbon electricity via a private wire network.

An innovative power purchase agreement will see Royal Glamorgan Hospital take electricity from the solar farm, making a significant, positive impact on their carbon footprint

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.

Linda Prosser , Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board

In addition to the solar farm Vital Energi will be installing the supporting energy infrastructure including substations, invertors, private wire network and a 2m high security fence along with CCTV to ensure security.

Adam Roche, Head of Pre-construction for Vital Energi explains, “As we transition from fossil fuel to a low-carbon society sites like this former coal 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.”

Because all parties were committed to improving the site, we worked closely with the Council to design a range of biodiversity enhancements including hedges, bee posts, bird and bat boxes.