Xplore! powers ahead with green expansion

A Wrexham-based science centre has taken a major step in its “game-changing expansion”, cutting its carbon footprint while preparing to enhance its facilities.

Xplore! Science Discovery Centre, a subsidiary of Wrexham University, has installed 262 solar panels and improved insulation at its Henblas Street site, reducing its annual CO2 emissions by 22 tonnes. 

The upgrades will allow the centre to run entirely on renewable electricity in summer, with excess energy supplied to the grid.

The improvements, funded by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, have paved the way for potential new features, including a planetarium, under-7s 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 that 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 Wrexham University, added: “It was a big scheme, in a tight, land-locked site in the city centre. 

“Next door there was also another live site and, of course, we had lots of children and families visiting the centre.

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

“Interestingly, we are also 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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