Tonypandy pupils learn first-hand benefits of wind power

Primary pupils from Tonypandy have been learning about the importance of renewable energy after a visit to Pennant Walters Pant-y-Wal windfarm.

The year 4 and 5 pupils from Ss Gabriel and Raphael Catholic Primary School visited the 21-turbine site to see and hear first-hand the importance of renewable technology and how it’s playing a huge part in helping the UK achieve Net Zero.

During the trip, the 27 pupils were given a tour of the site by Pennant Walters Harry Llewellyn and Meryl Lewis who helped pupils to explore the principles around sustainability and renewable technology, whilst seeing first hand the sheer scale of a windfarm.

Miss James, teacher at Ss Gabriel and Raphael Catholic Primary School, said:

“It’s vital that children understand their local environment and the trip to the windfarm was a great way to introduce our year 5 pupils to the role renewables are playing in tackling climate change.

“It was exciting for our pupils to see a visible example of a development on their doorstep and understand how a project – like Pant-y-Wal windfarm – plays in helping us tackle climate change.”

The Pant y Wal windfarm in the county of Bridgend, is adjacent to the Fforch Nest windfarm, which straddles the border of Bridgend and Rhondda Cynon Taf. The two sites have a total of 21 turbines producing 53 megawatts of clean electricity – enough to power the equivalent of 25,000 homes. The windfarm comprises 10 Nordex N90 2.5MW turbines, which are 70m to the hub and 115m to the tip.

Pennant Walters Asset Manager, Harry Llewellyn, added:

“We were delighted to host pupils from Ss Gabriel and Raphael Catholic Primary School.

“Visiting the windfarm helps young people understand the impact our wind farms have on climate change – both locally and further afield. We are committed to engage with communities, encouraging future generations to engage with the benefits they bring.”