Ringland Community Centre has become the latest Newport City Council facility to be powered by renewable energy, thanks to the installation of 112 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on its roof.

With a total generating capacity of 56kWp, the new solar array is expected to reduce the centre’s carbon footprint by around nine tonnes of CO₂ equivalent annually.

The project, led by the council and supported by Newport Norse and Inspire Green, marks a first for the local authority as Ringland is now the only council-run building equipped with both solar panels and a battery storage system. The battery enables the centre to store excess energy generated during daylight hours, allowing it to operate on clean energy well into the evening and significantly reducing its dependence on the national grid.

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Initial analysis indicates the centre could run entirely on renewable energy during peak solar production periods, a development expected to cut energy costs and support the council's wider decarbonisation efforts.

The Ringland project is part of a broader programme to expand solar energy across the city. Other sites already benefiting from solar installations include Alway, Malpas Court, Newport East and Rivermead community centres, the Geraint Thomas National Velodrome for Wales, Newport Regional Pool and Tennis Centre, the central library and museum complex, Kingsway car park, and around 26 schools.

In total, Newport City Council now has an installed solar capacity of approximately 4.235MWp across its estate, underpinning its commitment to sustainability and the transition to clean energy.

Photo: Inspire Green