Energy service: impact report 2025 to 2026

The Welsh Government has set ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and generate locally owned, renewable energy, aiming to create a greener, stronger and fairer Wales. 

Since 2018, the Welsh Government Energy Service has supported the public sector and community enterprises across Wales to progress energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. We drive progress from concept development and design through to securing finance and procuring suppliers. Alongside our technical support, we mobilise Welsh Government grant funding for low carbon heat, renewable energy projects and early-stage development, helping to accelerate and scale progress towards net zero.

This work includes renewable energy generation projects, solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, energy efficiency improvements, low carbon heating system updates, and zero carbon fleet rollouts, all of which contribute to the Welsh Government’s net zero ambitions across Wales.

Turning ambition to impact is never easy. Working in partnership with public bodies and community groups, I am proud of the Energy Service’s growing impact. While public sector emissions remain high and faster action is needed, our work is also creating jobs, building skills, delivering social value and supporting economic growth across Wales. With a new government in place, there is an opportunity for renewed ambition, and the Energy Service is here to help make it happen.

David Powlesland, Head of the Energy Service.

Image

The lifetime savings are an estimate of total financial and carbon savings over the operational lifetime of the project. Carbon savings have been calculated using the current carbon conversion factors provided by the UK Government Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and multiplied by the estimated economic life of a project. The carbon calculation now also appreciates the predicted UK grid decarbonisation over the economic life using forecasted electric carbon factors from the National Grid’s Future Energy Scenarios. This is an improvement on the previously used ‘persistence factor methodology’ and takes into account reduced carbon savings as the UK continues to decarbonise the grid. Financial savings have been estimated over the potential economic life of a technology, using forecast utility rates for the Commercial & Public Sectors from the 'Green Book Supplementary Guidance'

‘Financial close’ means the projects have finance formally committed and there is a high likelihood that the project will progress to implementation/installation. This finance could come from a range of sources such as an organisation’s own internal funds, the Wales Funding Programme, the Welsh Government Local Energy Loan Fund, community shares or other sources. A small proportion of projects do not progress to implementation, for various reasons. For any Welsh Government financed projects, discontinued project finance would be released for other decarbonisation projects.

Impacts from implemented projects

We have successfully supported the installation of renewable energy, building energy systems, low carbon heat and zero emission transport projects across Wales:

Level of investment

• Public sector and community enterprises have invested £344 million to install renewable energy, building energy systems, low carbon heat and zero emission transport projects.

Energy generation

• Installed 64 MW of new renewable energy capacity in Wales, strengthening Welsh energy resilience and reducing exposure to price volatility. 

Financial impact forecast

• An estimated £560 million in local savings and income over the lifetime of the projects

Carbon savings forecast

• These projects will save an estimated 1.5 million tonnes of CO₂e over the lifetime of the projects.

Discover how the Energy Service has supported net zero ambitions and successful on-the ground projects since 2018: Energy Service: turning the Net Zero ambition into an achievement

Number of installed projects we supported by technology type, 2018 to 2026

• 381 zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) fleet and electric vehicle charging projects
• 222 building energy efficiency and rooftop solar installations
• 141 low carbon heating systems
• 34 energy efficient street lighting installations
• 14 standalone solar farms
• 4 wind power projects
• 3 hydropower projects

Number of installed projects we supported by organisation type, 2018 to 2026

• 562 projects for local authorities
• 64 projects for NHS Wales health boards and trusts
• 51 projects for community organisations
• 32 projects for universities
• 27 projects for fire and rescue services
• 16 projects for colleges
• 10 projects for National Museum Wales
• 11 projects for Natural Resources Wales
• 9 projects for community councils
• 17 projects for other organisations including Sports Council, National Parks, Police, Transport for Wales and across the Welsh Government Estate

What we supported and where in 2025 to 2026

In 2025 to 2026, £146 million was secured for energy efficiency, renewable energy, low carbon heat and zero‑emission fleet projects, including £42.7 million in grants supporting 163 projects across six schemes (supporting to financial close):

• 136 projects for 21 local authorities
• 12 projects for 6 universities 
• 10 projects for 8 community enterprises
• 10 projects for 3 fire and rescue services
• 9 projects for Natural Resources Wales
• 8 projects for 5 health boards and trusts
• 4 projects for 2 colleges
• 3 projects for National Museum Wales
• 3 projects for Welsh Government Estate
• 1 project for 1 national park

The Welsh Government Energy Service supports public sector and community groups at every stage in the project development pipeline. Alongside the projects that reached financial close, we supported large-scale strategic renewables projects to meet key stage gates last year. We secured planning permission for three renewable projects with a combined energy generation capacity of 9.9 MW. Over the coming years, these projects will boost renewable energy capacity across Wales, as well as a local ownership contribution.

Beyond securing funding, our focus has been on building a strong pipeline of future projects, ensuring long-term progress towards net zero. The advancement of strategic renewable schemes will play a key role in increasing capacity, energy security and local ownership for Wales in the years ahead.

Sam Wright-Green, Senior Manager, Welsh Government Energy Service.

Hear the stories of the people behind the projects. Click below to watch a video case study of two of our projects.

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service: Energy Service Case Study: Gwasanaeth Tân ac Achub Gogledd Cymru/North Wales Fire and Rescue Service

 Ynni Teg’s Bwlchygwynt Solar Farm: Energy Service Case Study: Fferm Solar Bwlchygwynt / Bwlychygwynt Solar Farm

Transparency and accountability are a crucial part of the Welsh public sector journey towards next zero. As well as tracking progress and enabling more informed policy and funding decisions, accurately measuring the emissions of the public sector allows us to recognise and celebrate the progress Welsh public bodies are making. Accurately measuring the emissions of the public sector is integral to tracking progress against this ambition and enabling more informed policy and funding decisions. 

82 public sector organisations voluntarily submitted their emissions data via an emissions data collection template. The submission period for public sector organisations ran between April and September 2025. The Energy Service then collated, quality assured and analysed the results, observing a 12% increase in total all-Wales emissions between 2023 to 2024 and 2024 to 2025.

The Energy Service delivered the main reporting requirements, as well as additional scheme development workstreams focused on improving reporting accuracy, providing new tools and standardising reporting processes, particularly for supply chain emissions. 

In 2024 to 2025, the Welsh Public Sector produced an estimated 3,958 kilotonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (ktCO₂e), equivalent to the annual heating emissions of 1.4 million homes (Note that Colleges and Universities reported emissions based on the academic year 2023 to 2024). This represents a 12% increase in Welsh Public Sector emissions compared with 2023 to 2024.

The increase in total emissions does not mean the public sector is becoming more carbon intensive. Much of the change is driven by more participating reporting organisations (up 74% since 2020, and 4% since 2023 to 2024), more complete data and updated national datasets (produced by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and Defra) on the carbon intensity of the UK economy.

The publications include a full technical report, a short summary and an interactive dashboard to explore emissions by sector and category.

Total emissions for all Welsh public sector bodies in 2025 were 3,958 ktCO₂e, shown in below by organisation type and emission source:

Image

Organisation type

• Local Authorities: 1,784 ktCO₂e (45%)
• NHS Wales: 1,371 ktCO₂e (35%)
• Other public sector bodies: 337 ktCO₂e (9%)
• University: 265 ktCO₂e (7%)
• Welsh Government: 131 ktCO₂e (3%)
• College: 45 ktCO₂e (1%)
• Fire and Rescue Services: 20 ktCO₂e (<1%)
• National Park Authority: 3 ktCO₂e (<1%)
• Corporate Joint Committee: 2 ktCO₂e (<1%)

Emission source

• Supply chain: 2,963 ktCO₂e (75%)
• Buildings: 546 ktCO₂e (14%)
• Transport: 430 ktCO₂e (11%)
• Medical gases: 11 ktCO₂e (<1%)
• Waste: 8 ktCO₂e (<1%)

Building energy systems

During 2025 to 2026, we worked in partnership with public bodies across Wales to support continued decarbonisation in the Welsh public sector. We supported the rollout of energy efficiency, low carbon heating and renewable energy projects in public sector buildings, including the installation of heat pumps, LED lighting, solar PV panels, new air handling systems, insulation and Building Management System controls, all focused on reducing energy use. 

Beyond energy savings, the measures supported by this workstream also provide critical investment into public assets, improving facilities for local people and communities, reducing air pollution and creating jobs for local businesses.

Helping buildings across Wales transition to net zero

Number of projects reaching financial close in 2025-26

• 80 building energy efficiency and on-site renewable energy projects for 26 organisations.
• 9.7 MW of new renewable energy generation on roofs.
• 12.8 MW_th of new low carbon heat capacity, replacing fossil fuel systems.

Investment

• A total of £38.45 million secured through the Ymestyn, Low Carbon Heat and Ynni Cymru Grant programmes.
• A total of £74 million secured through the Wales Funding Programme and Digarbon loan schemes.

Lifetime carbon savings forecast

• 675,000 tonnes of CO₂e.

Image

Since 2021, Gower College has worked with the Energy Service to develop a long‑term, whole site approach to decarbonising its estate across three campuses in Swansea. The Energy Service supported the College to identify around £1.8 million of low‑carbon opportunities, strengthen energy data and business cases, and align estate investment with decarbonisation priorities during a period of organisational change.

Support covered the Gorseinon, Jubilee Court and Tycoch campuses and included technical advice, energy analysis, funding support and regular coordination meetings.

Measures

• Building management system (BMS) improvements and expanded sub‑metering.
• LED lighting upgrades at Tycoch and Gorseinon campuses.
• Fabric improvements, including roof insulation and glazing.
• Solar PV, notably a 135 kW system delivered as part of a £5 million roof and solar project at the Tycoch campus.
• Installation of the college’s first air source heat pump.
• Electricity supply upgrades to enable future heat pumps and EV charging.

Impact

• Reduced energy use and carbon emissions across multiple campuses.
• Improved energy data and monitoring to support future investment decisions.
• Better alignment between maintenance programmes and decarbonisation priorities.

Improved learning and working environments through enhanced lighting and thermal comfort.

Image

Powys Teaching Health Board (PTHB) delivered a multi‑site energy efficiency retrofit across 15 locations in Powys through the Re:fit framework. The project focused on reducing carbon emissions, improving energy performance and enhancing patient and staff environments across an ageing, geographically dispersed estate.

The Energy Service supported PTHB with strategic advice on accessing Re:fit, support to access the Wales Funding Programme, review of assessments and investment proposals, and support with procurement and stakeholder engagement. The project secured £4.3 million from Wales Funding Programme and was delivered by Vital Energi, working with local suppliers.

Measures

• Solar PV at Spa Road (39 kWp) and Montgomeryshire County Infirmary (86 kWp).
• LED lighting upgrades (over 7,000 fittings) across 15 sites.
• Draughtproofing at five sites.
• Pipe insulation in plant rooms at six sites.
• Loft insulation upgrades at six sites.
• BMS optimisation at six sites.

Impact

• £457,733 annual cost savings.
• 344 tonnes of CO₂ saved annually (11.1% reduction).
• 19.8% electricity and 6.6% gas savings.
• 10% total annual energy cost reduction.
• Improved lighting and thermal comfort for patients and staff.
• Reduced maintenance backlog and increased energy resilience.

Getting several energy saving measures undertaken under one project has saved time and delivered tangible results. Sealing up drafts and installing LEDs has also been great at engaging staff and we have had a number of positive comments from them.

Steven Bromley, the Environmental and Sustainability Manager, Powys Teaching Health Board.

In 2025 to 2026, the Welsh Government Energy Service continued to support public bodies across Wales to adopt ZEV fleets. We maintained our core offer by providing grant funding for electric vehicles and delivering practical, technical advice on charging infrastructure. This support helps organisations plan and deliver the move to zero emission travel.

Over the year, we provided technical troubleshooting and delivered more detailed site visits to help organisations develop robust charging infrastructure plans. This included assessing electrical capacity, site layout, operational requirements and future fleet growth. We also strengthened our support for projects that integrate energy storage, helping organisations use more on-site renewable generation to charge vehicles and improving resilience and flexibility at charging locations.

Decarbonising fleets across Wales 

Number of projects reaching financial close in 2025-26

• 104 fleet projects for 33 organisations.

Investment

• A total of £13.2 million invested in electric vehicles and charge points.
• 7 MW of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure.
• 297 new ZEVs.

Image

Since 2020, the Energy Service has supported Bridgend County Borough Council to deliver an integrated decarbonisation programme at Bryncethin Transport Depot. The programme focused on reducing energy consumption, installing renewable generation and enabling the transition to zero‑emission vehicles (ZEVs).

The Energy Service provided technical and strategic support across the project lifecycle, including energy assessments, feasibility studies for LED lighting and solar PV with battery storage, fleet transition analysis, and EV charging capacity assessments across multiple depot sites.

Measures

• 244 LED light fittings replacing outdated fluorescent tubes.
• 100 kWp solar PV system comprising 250 panels.
• 100 kWh containerised battery storage unit and a further 100kWh upgrade in 2026.
• 255 kVA grid upgrade.
• A mix of fast and rapid chargers including a 40kW DC unit.

Impact

• Approximately 80% on‑site use of solar generation, supporting EV charging and operations
• Improved lighting quality and increased energy resilience through battery storage

The Energy Service’s technical support has been central to delivering Bryncethin’s integrated decarbonisation programme, from feasibility through to charging capacity and fleet transition analysis. Generating more power on site through solar PV and using battery storage is helping us maximise local use of renewable electricity for EV charging and depot operations. A blended charger mix gives us the flexibility to support varied routes and shift patterns, while maintaining availability and operational resilience.

Paul Smith, Decarbonisation Programme Manager, Bridgend County Borough Council

The Energy Service supported Denbighshire County Council to transform Bodelwyddan Fleet Depot into a Smart Local Energy System, integrating heat, power and transport in one coordinated upgrade.

Following a feasibility study across eight council sites, Bodelwyddan was selected as the most suitable location to demonstrate how smart energy solutions can reduce emissions, cut energy use and support fleet electrification. The project was jointly funded through the Welsh Government’s Ynni Cymru capital fund, with the Energy Service providing technical advice, options appraisal and specification support.

Measures

• 90 kWp solar PV system
• Commercial-scale battery storage
• Smart EV charging infrastructure with dynamic load management
• LED lighting upgrades
• Air source heat pumps, replacing older oil‑fired heaters

Impact

• Reduced energy use, costs and carbon emissions at a key fleet site 
• EV charging supports fleet electrification within existing electrical capacity 
• Improved use of on‑site solar generation 
• More comfortable working environment for depot staff 
• Demonstrates how integrated energy systems can reduce pressure on the grid

The Energy Service were very helpful. The high level scoping report where they had assessed the loads on the building compared to the size of PV that we could install and the charge rate of the battery, so they really assisted us with the technical data side of the design.

Martyn Smith, Property Energy and Carbon Manager at Debinghshire County Council.

Energy Service Case Study: Depo Clyfar Bodelwyddan / Bodelwyddan Smart Depot - YouTube

Our work on large‑scale renewable energy projects across Wales spans the full project lifecycle, from early opportunity identification through development to delivery and ongoing operation. We support public sector and community organisations to make the most of Wales’s natural resources while progressing their journey towards net zero and delivering benefits for local communities.

Supporting community and public sector renewable energy projects

In 2025-26, eleven projects secured £14.4 million of funding relating to an additional 8 MW of renewable energy capacity, made up of:

• 6 local energy and community projects
• 5 standalone public sector renewable energy projects

In 2025-26, a total of five projects achieved completion with 9.2 MW installed renewable energy capacity and 13,000 tCO₂e of lifetime carbon savings

• 8.7 MW of new standalone public sector renewable energy projects
• 0.54 MW of new community solar PV projects 

The Energy Service works with public sector organisations to identify, develop and install renewable energy projects including solar farms, solar canopies, wind turbines and hydropower schemes. In 2025 to 2026, the Energy Service focussed on identifying and encouraging opportunities for public bodies to work with other organisations (across public, private and community sectors), in addition to developing purely in-house decarbonisation initiatives. Cross-organisation collaboration has the potential to help overcome a range of barriers to renewable energy project development and achieve wider objectives such as local ownership and community benefits. Specific guidance and case studies on this are published on the Energy Service webpage and direct support is available to clients.

Image

Image

Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council is developing a 1.4 MW ground mounted solar array at the Pen Y Dre school site, designed to support the Welsh Government’s Net Zero Schools Programme. The solar farm will primarily serve Pen Y Dre School and Blessed Carlo Acutis School (Bishop Hedley Campus), with surplus electricity exported via a private wire to Prince Charles Hospital, demonstrating a pioneering public sector energy partnership. It will be due for commissioning in April 2026. 

The Energy Service supported with early-stage project identification and development support, strategic advice on public sector energy collaboration and engagement with stakeholders to explore private wire opportunities.

Measures

• 1.4 MW ground-mounted solar array
• On-site switchgear and infrastructure
• Private wire connection to Prince Charles Hospital

Investment

• £3.56 million total investment
• Solar array funded through the Sustainable Communities for Learning programme
• Private wire self-funded by the Council, with partial grant support from Ystadau Cymru‘s Assets Collaboration Programme Wales

Impact

• Forecasted annual benefit of £194,000 (combined on-site offset and energy sale).
• Supports long-term decarbonisation of school and healthcare infrastructure.

MTCBC is proud to be advancing these innovative projects that have been in development over a number of years. We are deeply grateful for the continued support from Welsh Government and Ystadau Cymru, whose contribution has been instrumental in bringing these initiatives to life. These distinctive and technically complex projects involve linking renewable energy systems between local school sites and Prince Charles Hospital. This pioneering collaboration is not only unique in its design but also represents a positive step forward in delivering long-term environmental and economic benefits for the Borough and its residents.

Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council.

Across Wales, the Energy Service supports community organisations to design, develop and install renewable projects such as solar, wind and hydropower.

Image

The Trefawr solar development is a transformative project near Crymych, Pembrokeshire driven by local Community Benefit Society Cwm Arian Renewable Energy (CARE). This initiative is culminating in the installation of a 522 kWp ground-mounted solar array, co-located with an existing community-owned 700 kW wind turbine, creating a powerful renewable energy hub for the local area.

The Energy Service has been supporting CARE in the development of the project over several years with technical advice, preparatory grant funding to help secure planning permission and key legal agreements and assistance to help build the financial case, enabling CARE to secure financial close via a Local Energy loan from the Development Bank of Wales and Ynni Cymru Capital Grant. Along the way, we supported Cwm Arian to address challenges such as energy market volatility and EPC procurement. Our support continues through the construction and commissioning phase.

Measures

• Advanced solar PV system with export limitation equipment, integrated into existing grid infrastructure. 
• Sharing a grid connection with previously installed wind turbine, balancing generation from wind and solar at different times of year to provide more consistent year-round generation.

Investment 

• £1.2 million total project cost, supported by Welsh Government grants and a Local Energy Fund loan.

Impact

• Over 16GWh of clean energy generated across 35 years.
• 320 tonnes of CO₂e emissions avoided.
• £556,000 retained in the local economy, plus multiplier benefits.
• Annual community benefit fund and reinvestment of surpluses into local projects.
• Use of local contractors and suppliers.
• Support of community resilience, green enterprises and fuel poverty initiatives.
• Enabled continued use of land for grazing.

This project is more than renewable energy—it’s about empowering our community, creating local jobs, and building a sustainable future for Pembrokeshire.

CARE Board.

Image

The Energy Service encourages public sector organisations and community enterprises to develop their own decarbonisation projects by providing technical guidance, hosting webinars, sharing case studies and enabling peer-to-peer learning.

In 2025 to 2026, we visited projects and showcased their success through written and video case studies, focused on learnings to inspire other organisations on their climate journeys.

We launched a new website, bringing everything about the Energy Service into one accessible, easy-to-navigate space, including guidance and grant pages, case studies, impact reports and providing direct access to Welsh Public Sector Net Zero Reporting tools and dashboards.

The Energy Service newsletter started in early 2025 as a bi-monthly update. In 2026, subscribers started receiving monthly editions, including the latest news, case studies and funding opportunities.

Last year, our team joined a series of events. In April, we spoke at a panel during the Future Generations Action Summit, on the topic of “Making Energy Local”. 

In June, we co-hosted the Journey to a Net Zero Wales event series with Salix Finance and Welsh Government in North and South Wales, looking into progress, funding and collaboration as well as long-term strategy, skills development and the lived impact of climate action. 

In November, we participated in Wales Climate Week, where we joined a panel of experts to discuss how Wales can achieve an inclusive, accessible, low carbon transport system.

Local Authority Low Carbon Heat Grant

Local authorities play a critical role in reducing emissions from public buildings across Wales. The Local Authority Low Carbon Heat Grant supports local authorities to meet the high capital costs of heat decarbonisation projects in non‑domestic, local authority‑owned buildings.

The grant provides up to 90% capital funding for the replacement of fossil fuel heating systems with low carbon heat technologies. It supports a whole-building approach, including building fabric improvements, heat emitter upgrades, electrical upgrades and performance monitoring. The scheme is designed to enable delivery of projects that are ready to implement but may otherwise be financially challenging. In parallel, it helps build local authority capability and shared learning, supporting low carbon heat to become the standard across the Welsh local authority estate.

2025 to 2026 results

• 43 low carbon heat projects received a total of £31.1 million in capital grant funding relating to a total of 9.3 MW of installed low carbon heat capacity. 
• The Low Carbon Heat grant enabled the completion of 31 sites across 9 local authorities to complete installation, resulting in 5.8 MW of low carbon heat capacity and estimated lifetime carbon savings of 134,000 tCO₂e.

Greenmeadow Community Farm in Torfaen has been transformed into a more sustainable and inclusive visitor destination as part of a wider site redevelopment. The Energy Service supported Torfaen County Borough Council with strategic and technical advice to identify and develop the most appropriate low‑carbon heating solution for the site. The heating element of the project was funded through the Local Authority Low Carbon Heat Grant and completed between May 2024 and March 2025, ahead of the farm’s planned reopening in September 2025.

Measures

• Installation of a horizontal ‘slinky’ ground source heat pump system, comprising 30 trenches and 9,000 metres of pipework, serving a new plant room in the original farmhouse.
• Replacement of gas‑fired boilers, eliminating fossil fuel heating.
• Additional insulation to improve energy efficiency.
• Integration with the existing solar PV system to support low‑carbon operation.

Impact

• Expected lifetime carbon savings of 201 tCO₂e.
• Improved comfort and sustainability for visitors and staff.
• Supports Torfaen’s wider climate action and sustainable development objectives.

Local residents coming past the site will have spotted the impact of the horizontal install of the heat pump on the paddocks, but the project has been a vital part of ensuring the transformation of Greenmeadow is sustainable for the long-term. 

We’re extremely grateful to the Welsh Government for supporting the project and, alongside the updates to the facilities on the farm, we’re proud to have a transformation that includes both a fantastic new visitor experience and a reduced carbon footprint.

David Leech, Strategic Director for Adults and Communities, Torfaen County Borough Council.

The Public Sector Low Carbon Heat Grant enables public sector organisations (excluding local authorities and higher education bodies) to transition away from fossil fuel heating systems and invest in low carbon alternatives as part of their journey to net zero.

The grant provides up to 90% capital funding to public sector organisations across Wales for the replacement of fossil fuel heating systems with low carbon heat technologies. It supports a whole-building approach, including building fabric improvements, heat emitter upgrades and electrical upgrades. The scheme is designed to enable delivery of projects that are ready to implement but may otherwise be financially challenging. Alongside emissions reductions the grant supports capacity‑building and shared learning across the public sector, helping low carbon heat become the norm across public sector buildings.

2025 to 2026 results

• National Museum of Wales completed low carbon heat projects at Big Pit National Coal Museum and St Fagans Castle in 2025-26**.
• £1.6 million of capital grant investment.
• 0.5 MW Low carbon heat capacity and 13,700 tCO₂e lifetime carbon savings.

In 2025, Big Pit National Coal Museum in Blaenafon began a major decarbonisation project with support from the Energy Service, focused on replacing gas heating systems with low‑carbon alternatives and improving building insulation across the heritage site. The project supports Wales’ ambition for a Net Zero public sector, while preserving the character of listed buildings.

The Energy Service provided technical advice and helped secure funding through the Public Sector Low Carbon Heat Grant, supporting heritage impact assessments, listed building consent, procurement via the Demand Management and Renewals Framework (DMRF), and coordination with delivery partners.

Measures

• Replacement of multiple natural gas boilers with high-efficiency heat pumps across key areas (shop, cafe, conservation workshop, waiting room, courtyard, and Pit Head Bath).
• Building fabric upgrades, including loft insulation improvements and external lime rendering to enhance thermal efficiency.
• EV charging infrastructure for the museum’s fleet.
• Rooftop solar PV array to offset electricity usage, through the Wales Funding Programme.

Impact

• Significant reduction in carbon emissions across the museum estate.
• Improved thermal performance of heritage buildings without compromising their historic character.
• Creation of local jobs through construction and specialist installation.
• A replicable model for decarbonising listed buildings in Wales.

The buildings, collection items and immersive experience that we deliver at Big Pit certainly appeals to the public. In the past, coal has been produced on this site to an industrial scale but now we’re looking at a future where the total power and heating will be supplied purely by renewable technology.

Brian Lewis, Head of Museum, Museum Wales.

Energy Service Case Study: Big Pit Amgueddfa Lofaol Cymru / Big Pit National Coal Museum

Decarbonising transport is a vital part of achieving a net zero public sector in Wales. The Welsh Government Energy Service Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) and Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (EVCI) Grant was established to support public sector organisations to transition away from petrol and diesel vehicles and build the charging infrastructure needed to support zero‑emission fleets.

The grant provides capital funding to cover the cost difference between internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and zero emission alternatives, alongside funding of up to 100% of the capital costs of electric vehicle charging infrastructure. This includes on‑site charging equipment, associated electrical upgrades and linked battery storage, helping organisations put the right infrastructure in place to enable fleet electrification.

In 2025 to 2026, the grant focused on projects that were ready to deliver within the financial year, supporting the purchase of electric vans, minibuses and specialist vehicles, as well as the installation of fleet‑focused charging infrastructure. 

2025 to 2026 results

• 104 projects reaching financial close in 2025 to 2026.
• £13.1 million of Capital Investment.
• 7 MW of Electric Vehicle Charging Capacity. 

Image

The Energy Service supported Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority to implement energy storage and charging infrastructure as part of a comprehensive smart local energy system at Craig Y Nos, Swansea. The project received the ZEV and EVCI grant and is a flagship demonstration of public sector decarbonisation and fleet electrification.

Measures

• Installation of a 69 kWh battery energy storage system and twin 22 kW EV. chargers to maximise use of on‑site renewable energy. 
• Procurement support via the Welsh Government’s EVCI framework, enabling efficient delivery with qualified contractors.
• Ongoing Energy Service support to deploy additional low carbon technologies and raise public visibility.

Impact

• Transition to a 100% zero‑emission fleet of 19 pool vehicles, among the first in the Welsh public sector.
• Reduced grid dependence using the smart local energy system to optimise renewable energy generation, storage and resilience.
• Provision of rapid charging for passing traffic and destination charging for visitors.

Working with the Welsh Government Energy Service has been excellent - their ZEV and EVCI grant was straightforward to access with quick application processes and rapid turnaround times. This funding has been instrumental in helping us achieve our ambition of running a fully electric site at Craig Y Nos. The local energy system we've developed here represents just the beginning of our sustainability journey. We're now looking to expand our solar PV capacity, explore heat pump feasibility, and make our renewable energy systems more visible to the public. Our goal is to demonstrate that remote public sector sites can achieve low carbon energy resilience whilst delivering excellent services.

Paul Chapman, Craig-y-Nos Country Park Manager, Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority.

The Ymestyn Grant is a Welsh Government fund supported by Great British Energy, designed to unlock locally owned renewable energy projects across Wales. It helps projects that are financially challenging to reach completion by providing targeted ‘top‑up’ funding to improve financial paybacks. The grant is available to public sector bodies and community groups and can support both building‑connected and grid‑export renewable energy projects that are ready to for implementation.

The fund is intended to work alongside other funding sources, helping to unlock projects that do not currently meet the criteria of existing finance options. Applications to the Ymestyn Grant closed in February, and all supported projects must be commissioned by November 2026.

Community energy enterprises developing local energy projects often need to resolve technical, legal, regulatory and financial requirements before construction can begin. Project development can take place over an extended period, and access to the right specialist skills is critical to maintaining momentum and moving a project towards delivery.

The Community Energy Preparatory Grant provides revenue funding to help community-based social enterprises commission specialist support to overcome these early-stage barriers. Funding can support activities such as feasibility and option appraisal, surveys and technical studies, project management, commercial and financial modelling, legal and governance advice, grid and planning related work, and other preparatory actions needed to progress smart local renewable energy solutions that deliver benefits for the local community and Wales.

Applications are assessed through a formal process against current priorities and available budget. The fund is intended to be open to applications throughout the year, subject to funding availability.

A pipeline of well-developed decarbonisation projects is crucial for enabling the public sector to achieve faster reductions in emissions. The Decarbonisation Project Design and Development Grant was created to support organisations in moving from initial ambitions to projects that are ready for investment and implementation.

The grant offers revenue funding to support the creation of detailed designs required to ready projects for investment. By providing this support, the grant aims to lower risks, enhance project quality, speed up project proposals, and give organisations a strong evidence base from which they can secure capital funding and move forward with project implementation.

Locally owned renewable energy and smart local energy systems have a vital role to play in achieving a net zero and more resilient energy system in Wales. Ynni Cymru was established by the Welsh Government to support the implementation of community owned renewable energy projects and Smart Local Energy Systems, helping organisations generate, use and manage energy locally.

The Energy Service has supported Ynni Cymru to deliver its grant programme, providing technical due diligence, grant management expertise and ongoing project delivery management for the successful public sector organisations and community energy groups. The grant provides capital money to unlock innovative Smart Local Energy Systems across Wales and £22.6 million of funding has been allocated over the last 2 years to SMEs, communities and the public sector.

This year 13 public sector organisations and community energy groups were successful in securing funding which contributed to the implementation of over 2 MW of solar PV alongside other energy efficiency measures.

Image

Climate Innovation (previously Smart Living)

Climate Innovation is a Welsh Government programme supporting early‑stage decarbonisation innovation using pre‑commercial procurement. Through initiatives such as Whole System Research and Innovation for Decarbonisation (WSRID), the programme enabled public sector organisations to define place‑based Net Zero challenges aligned with Local Area Energy Plans. Using a Challenge Owner model, Climate Innovation supported feasibility studies, system design and real‑world testing of whole‑system solutions for transportation, built environment and renewable energy integration. The programme helped bridge delivery and market gaps by generating decision‑ready evidence, reducing risk and creating clear pathways from innovation to implementation across rural, urban and regional contexts in Wales. 

Find out more: Climate Innovation Scheme | GOV.WALES

Ystadau Cymru

Developed with Ystadau Cymru, the report Climate action across the Welsh public sector estate published in March 2026, sets out practical, evidence-based actions to help public bodies cut carbon emissions from buildings and land while strengthening climate resilience. Commissioned by Ystadau Cymru and informed by workshops with 76 public sector practitioners across Wales, the guidance covers areas including carbon management, strategic estate planning, energy efficiency, low carbon heat, renewables and nature-based solutions. It is designed to support organisations at different stages of their Net Zero journey and can be used flexibly to focus on priority areas. 

Internal support and research for Welsh Government

The Energy Service has also provided research and guidance to Welsh Government on wider issues, including climate change adaptation, potential opportunities for funding using the Development Bank of Wales, and research on existing solar arrays.

Call off contracts

Public sector organisations and community enterprises in Wales can directly access a higher level of support through the Welsh Government Energy Service and Carbon Reporting Framework.

The framework allows organisations to call off support for projects aligned with our key objectives via a simple direct award. This provides access to expertise from the Energy Service consortium, led by the Carbon Trust and Energy Saving Trust and including 12 providers. Call‑offs are managed by Welsh Government.

To begin, organisations complete a Call‑off Request Form and share enquiries with the Welsh Government contract leads and the Head of the Energy Service at enquiries@energyservice.wales

The framework is in place until 31 March 2027 and can be used by any eligible public sector body or community enterprise in Wales.

Types of support available

Lot 1: decarbonising the public sector, including:

• Renewable energy and low‑carbon heat.
• Energy efficiency and demand reduction.
• Carbon emission reduction strategies.
• Financial savings and investment opportunities.
• Skills, capacity building and innovation.
• Technical support towards public sector and renewable energy objectives.

Lot 2: carbon reporting and analysis, including:

• Organisational carbon footprinting.
• Submissions for Welsh public sector net zero reporting.
• Emissions modelling and forecasting.
• Improving carbon data and engagement, including supply chains.

The Welsh Government Energy Service (“WGES”) is funded by the Welsh Government with the aim of developing energy efficiency, renewable energy and fleet decarbonisation projects that contribute to public sector decarbonisation and national energy targets. The WGES is delivered by the Carbon Trust, Energy Saving Trust, and Local Partnerships (the “Delivery Partners”). This report (the “Report”) has been produced by the Delivery Partners and, whilst the views expressed in it are given in good faith based on information available at the date of this Report:- (i) these views do not necessarily reflect the views of the Welsh Government, which accepts no liability for any statement or opinion expressed in the Report; (ii) the Report is intended to provide general guidance only, rather than financial, legal or technical advice for the purposes of any particular project or other matter, and no-one in receipt of the Report should place any reliance on it in substitution for obtaining their own advice from an appropriate third party advisor; and (iii) any person in receipt of this Report should therefore obtain their own financial, legal, technical and/or other relevant professional advice insofar as they require specific guidance on what action (if any) to take, or refrain from taking, in respect of any project, initiative, proposal, involvement with any partnership or other matter to which information contained in the Report may be relevant; and (iv) the Delivery Partners accept no liability in respect of the Report, or for any statement in the Report and/or any error or omission relating to the Report.