The Welsh Rugby Union is looking to install solar panels on the roof of the Principality Stadium to reduce its energy costs and carbon emissions. With soaring energy prices the union is exploring a wide range of measures to reduce energy consumption at the 74,500-seater arena in the centre of Cardiff, while already committed to the introduction of LED lighting.
Earlier this week the WRU also confirmed plans for a stadium roof walk attraction, which could be operational by 2024 - although it has yet to make any final decision.
Finance director of the WRU, Tim Moss, said while it still has a year to run on a fixed price energy contract, it is revisiting plans to install solar panels on the roof.
Mr Moss added: “We have got a bit of time (ending of energy contract next September), but this is something that is in the front of everyone’s mind at the moment So, with are thinking about a buying in strategy and we are also thinking about how we can be more energy efficient round the stadium. The cheapest bit of energy is the energy you don’t spend, so if we can cut back as much as we can and be more efficient that will be benefit to us and rugby more generally.”
Specifically on installing solar panels on the stadium roof, Mr Moss said: “There are a number of options we are looking at and we have looked at solar panels in the past and probably couldn’t get it to work, but with energy prices the way they are it is something we are looking at again.”
In its current financial year the union is committed to replacing all lighting in the stadium with LED lighting which is forecast to save 100 tonnes of CO2 emissions and an energy saving of 400,000 kilowatt hours per year. In the union’s last financial year to end of June, 2022, the stadium incurred operational costs of £6.3m. It has a dedicated workforce within the wider WRU group of just over 50.
Mr Moss said he was also encouraged by ticket sales for Wales’ Autumn Series of internationals that will see the men’s team playing Australia, New Zealand, Argentina and Georgia in November.
The finance director added: “There are still tickets available for the Autumn Series for all four games, but sales have been good. We are hopeful now of a bit of a pick up between as the rugby season has just started and is back on everyone’s agenda. So, this is the time when we expect a big pick up."
Wales’ Six Nations home game against England in February is already a sell out.
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