National Museum Wales: low-carbon heating across four heritage sites

Summary

In 2024, National Museum Wales secured over £1 million through the Public Sector Low Carbon Heat Grant to deliver low-carbon heating upgrades across four of its seven sites. With support from the Welsh Government Energy Service, the museums replaced aging fossil fuel boilers with air source heat pumps, improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.

Our support

Technical assessments, funding application support, and strategic guidance on system design and delivery across multiple sites.

Technology solution

• St Fagans National Museum of History: replaced four gas boilers (310 kW total) with 210 kW air source heat pumps.
• National Slate Museum: replaced 25 kW gas oil boiler with 18 kW air source heat pump.
• National Wool Museum: replaced two LPG boilers (214 kW total) with 153 kW air source heat pumps.
• Big Pit National Coal Museum: replaced 79 kW gas boiler with 64 kW air source heat pump.
• Building Management System upgrades and insulation improvements across all sites.

Investment

• Over £1 million from the Public Sector Low Carbon Heat Grant.

Impact

• Approximately 50 tCO₂e saved annually across the four sites.
• Improved heating control and system efficiency.
• Elimination of oil and LPG deliveries to remote sites, enhancing energy security.
• Supports long-term sustainability of Wales’ cultural heritage institutions.

It is fantastic to see our museums progressing their journey to reducing emissions, all with the help of Welsh Government funding. This means we can continue to protect our heritage while embracing new technology.

Huw Irranca-Davies, Welsh Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change.