The Royal Glamorgan Hospital has taken a massive step forward in its journey to net zero, with the official switch on of the new Coed-Ely Solar Farm in South Wales.

Built on a reclaimed colliery site, the solar farm features 9,000 panels and produces enough electricity to power around 1,800 homes each year.

As well as powering residential properties, the energy is also helping to keep the lights on, machines running, and care flowing at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital.

The farm was jointly funded by Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council and the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), and was part funded by the Welsh Government. The project was delivered by Stantec and Vital Energi.

Councillor Ros Davis, cabinet member for resources, said: “This milestone sees all the hard work pay off as the Royal Glamorgan Hospital receives its first boost of power from the Coed-Ely Solar Farm.

“This ambitious project is providing a unique opportunity to deliver energy for the benefit of our communities.

“Any electricity generated that is not used by the hospital is fed into the National Grid, helping strengthen the UK’s overall energy security.

“But ‘local’ is at the heart of this project, local power and local impact.”

Mark Williams, Vital Energi’s partnerships director, added: “Seeing clean, low-carbon energy transmitted to Royal Glamorgan Hospital is more than just a technical achievement, it’s a demonstration of how the public sector can collaborate to achieve its net zero goals.

“This is another fantastic addition to Wales’s low-carbon energy infrastructure and one which will contribute to a cleaner, more-sustainable future for everyone.”

And Claire Thompson, executive director of strategy and transformation at Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, said: “This is a landmark moment for our health board and for the Royal Glamorgan Hospital.

“The switch-on of solar energy is more than just a technical achievement; it’s a symbol of our commitment to delivering healthcare in a sustainable, forward-thinking way.

“We’re proud to be part of a project that not only reduces our carbon footprint, but also strengthens our partnership with Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Vital Energi. This is just the beginning of our journey toward a greener future.”