Solar Farm supports Aberystwyth University’s zero-carbon ambition

Aberystwyth University has applied the Local Partnerships’ Re:fit framework to increase energy efficiency across its buildings, including installation of a solar farm, which will reduce carbon emissions by 500 tonnes annually.

Local Partnerships exclusively provides support to users of the Re:fit framework nationwide.

Client Context

Aberystwyth University is a public research university in Wales, with approximately 8,000 students studying across three academic faculties and 17 departments. The University is committed to reducing dependence on fossil fuels and cutting its greenhouse emissions.

Over the past 10 years, the University has reduced its CO2 emissions by over 40% and in 2019 declared a climate emergency, with an ambition for its estate to become carbon neutral by 2030/1.

Project Deliverables

A solar farm was installed on the Penglais Campus, one of the University’s two campuses. The site covered 3.8 hectares, and the solar PV array contained over 4,500 panels. The site preparation also included measures to encourage biodiversity, with sheep grazing around the panels.

Project Outcome

The solar farm will supply up to 25% of Aberystwyth University’s Penglais Campus electricity needs and reduce carbon emissions by over 500 tonnes annually. Over its 25-year lifespan, the solar farm is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 12,000 tonnes.

The electricity generated is expected to reduce annual energy-related emissions by 8% across the University’s entire energy portfolio (gas and electricity), supporting the goal of a zero-carbon estate by 2030/31.

At a time of rising energy costs, the project is expected to deliver annual financial savings of over £325,000 and over £13 million over the lifetime of the project.

Client Feedback

This exciting new project reflects the University’s commitment to reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and cutting our greenhouse emissions. Our ambition is for the University’s’ estate to become carbon neutral by 2030/1. This solar development is an important step in realising this aim.

Professor Neil Glasser, pro Vice-Chancellor at Aberystwyth University

This is another great example of the Welsh higher education sector leading the way towards net zero and we are excited to see this project come to life.

Brian Drysdale, Development Manager, Welsh Government Energy Service

Appendices

• Aberystwyth University
• Vital Energi case study: Aberystwyth University

Find out more about Energy Performance Contracting (previously Refit)

The Local Partnerships’ Re:fit framework and programme is a procurement initiative for public bodies wishing to implement measures to improve energy efficiency.
Find out more here

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