Decarbonisation Plan given the go-ahead by Councillors.

The Council’s commitment to delivering on our sustainable development duty was reinforced recently as our Decarbonisation Plan 2023 – 2030 was adopted by Full Council.

Councillor Michelle Symonds, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Housing and Public Protection, with a responsibility for decarbonisation, said: “As an authority we see carbon reduction and climate change as key areas for action.

“We are already working towards becoming a carbon neutral organisation by 2030 and we are now in the early stages of delivering our first Decarbonisation Plan”.

Key projects to date have included: 

• Replacement of 7,500 streetlights with LED alternatives.
• Installation of 1,900 solar panels across Council buildings, including schools.
• Upgrading 6,900 light fittings to LED lighting.

We also have several projects planned or underway, including:

• The refurbishment of Pen Y Dre High School to net zero carbon standard.
• An innovative project to develop a private wire network, working in collaboration with the NHS to utilise the power generated by the solar panels at Pen y Dre High School.
• Adding more electric vehicles to our vehicle fleet and further development of electric charging infrastructure.
• Exploring options for low carbon heating schemes.

Cllr Symonds continued: “Working towards this plan will have huge benefits for Merthyr Tydfil, with the potential for a cleaner, greener, and more affordable energy for our communities.

“The reduction in carbon emissions and improved air quality will bring a knock-on benefit for health and the wider environment.

“There is also the potential to reduce fuel poverty, supporting our communities and developing the green economy and green jobs for the area.”

To see the plan visit the dedicated decarbonisation page on our website: merthyr.gov.uk/decarbonisation