Building the Skills Behind Wales’ Renewable Energy Future

As the UK moves towards a more sustainable energy future, the need for skilled professionals to install and maintain renewable energy technologies is growing.

That’s why Duracell Energy is proud to be working with Adra, North Wales’ largest housing association, to support the next generation of renewable energy professionals through a new training installation at Tŷ Gwyrddfai, Adra’s pioneering Decarbonisation Centre in Penygroes.

Bringing renewable energy technology into the classroom

As part of the partnership, Duracell Energy has provided a fully operational renewable energy system at Tŷ Gwyrddfai, giving learners, apprentices and industry professionals the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with the technologies being installed in homes across Wales and the wider UK.

Rather than learning about battery storage and renewable energy systems solely through theory, trainees can work with real-world equipment in a purpose-built training environment.

This practical experience can help learners develop a better understanding of system design, installation principles and how technologies such as battery storage can contribute to more efficient, low-carbon homes.

Supporting the future of low-carbon skills

Tŷ Gwyrddfai is the UK’s first dedicated decarbonisation centre of its kind, providing training across green construction technologies, retrofit skills and sustainable building solutions.

Its role is particularly important as the demand for skilled workers continues to increase across the renewable energy, construction and retrofit sectors.

As more homeowners and housing providers look to technologies such as solar panels, battery storage, heat pumps and other low-carbon solutions, there is a growing need for professionals who understand how these systems work and how to install them correctly.

By providing access to live renewable energy technology, the new Duracell Energy installation will give learners an opportunity to develop practical knowledge that can be taken directly into the industry.

Helping deliver Wales’ net zero ambitions

Developing the right skills will be an important part of Wales’ transition towards a lower-carbon future.

For Duracell Energy, supporting training and education is an opportunity to contribute to that transition beyond simply providing renewable energy technology.

Mark Millar, CEO of Puredrive Energy, an authorised Duracell licensee, said:

“Tŷ Gwyrddfai is playing an important role in developing the skills needed to support the energy transition in Wales. We are delighted to be working with Adra to provide a live renewable energy system that gives learners direct exposure to the technologies they will encounter in the field.

“The success of the UK’s decarbonisation ambitions depends on having a skilled workforce that is confident installing and working with renewable energy systems. This partnership allows us to contribute to that goal while supporting the next generation of industry professionals.”

Creating opportunities for people and businesses

The benefits of developing renewable energy skills extend beyond individual learners.

As the renewable energy and retrofit sectors continue to grow, a skilled workforce can help create new employment opportunities while giving local businesses access to the expertise they need to deliver sustainable projects.

Sion Hughes, Director of Policy and Delivery at Adra, said:

“Tŷ Gwyrddfai was established to help build the skills and knowledge required for a more sustainable future. Working with Duracell Energy enhances the practical training opportunities available at the centre and provides learners with access to industry-leading renewable energy technology.

“Partnerships like this help ensure that local people and businesses are equipped with the expertise needed to support Wales’ decarbonisation journey while creating valuable employment opportunities across the region.”

Investing in a more sustainable future

The partnership between Duracell Energy and Adra brings together industry expertise and a dedicated training environment to help prepare the workforce needed for the next stage of the UK’s energy transition.

By giving learners practical experience with renewable energy and battery storage technology, Tŷ Gwyrddfai can help bridge the gap between training and the real-world demands of the industry.

As more sustainable technologies become part of everyday life, developing the people who can install, maintain and support them will be just as important as developing the technology itself.

Through its partnership with Adra, Duracell Energy is proud to play a part in helping build those skills and supporting the development of more sustainable homes and communities across Wales.