Xplore! powers ahead with green expansion

A science learning hub says it has taken a major step in its “game-changing expansion” with key environmental moves.

Xplore! Science Discovery Centre has installed 262 solar panels and improved insulation. 

Officials say the upgrades mean the centre - a subsidiary of Wrexham University - has reduced its annual CO2 emissions by 22 tonnes and can now run entirely on renewable electricity in the summer, with excess energy supplied to the grid.

They add the improvements, funded by the Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, have paved the way for potential new features, including a planetarium, under-seven's play area and conference facilities.

Katie Williams, Xplore!’s business development officer, said: “We play an active role in educating and changing behaviours when it comes to looking after our planet, and it’s important our actions align with our words.

“It’s really exciting we can now press on with securing the necessary funding to realise our goals of a truly game-changing expansion that will allow Xplore! to have an even bigger and wider impact on people’s engagement with STEM.

“In addition, energy bills contribute a large amount to the £800,000 it takes to run the centre each year, so reducing this number will be critical in adhering to a sustainable business model.”

Paul Moran, capital projects manager at Wrexham University, added: “It was a big scheme, in a tight, land-locked site in the city centre. 

“All partners worked closely to ensure disruption was kept to a minimum while delivering a high-quality finish.

“We are now investigating how we might introduce an interpretation panel to show visitors how solar panels work, with real-time data from our system.”

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