Pen y Cymoedd Community Fund Awards £25,672.83 to Inspire Future Green Careers Through “Turbine Time!”
The Pen y Cymoedd Community Fund is proud to award £25,672.83 to EESW STEM Cymru to deliver “Turbine Time! – Wind Powered Education” across schools within the Fund area.
This exciting programme will give hundreds of young people the opportunity to explore renewable energy, engineering and environmental sustainability through hands-on activities linked directly to the Pen y Cymoedd wind farm.
Over the course of the 2026–2027 academic year, around 720 pupils from approximately 18 schools across Neath Port Talbot and Rhondda Cynon Taf will take part in practical investigations, engineering challenges and real-world renewable energy projects designed to connect learning with future careers.
Pupils will build and test model wind turbines, investigate whether their own school could be powered by wind energy, analyse environmental data and present evidence-based conclusions through presentations, reports and digital media.
Importantly, the programme goes beyond classroom learning by helping young people understand the opportunities emerging within the growing renewable energy sector on their doorstep. Through engagement with industry professionals and activities linked directly to the Pen y Cymoedd wind farm, pupils will gain insight into careers in engineering, energy, sustainability and technology.
The project also aims to strengthen young people’s connection to their local environment and increase awareness of how renewable energy contributes to both community wellbeing and Wales’ low-carbon future.
The initiative supports key Pen y Cymoedd Community Vision priorities around schools and training, skills and employment, and environmental awareness. It also ensures that schools are equipped with reusable resources and equipment, helping create a lasting legacy beyond the life of the project.
Delivery is expected to begin in autumn 2026 and continue through to July 2027.
The Fund was established by energy company Vattenfall to benefit the communities hosting the Pen y Cymoedd wind farm across the upper Neath, Afan, Rhondda and Cynon Valleys. It exists to support local people, groups and organisations to invest in themselves, their ideas and their communities.
The Community Fund has a substantial annual budget that is index-linked, meaning it increases in line with inflation. As an example, this equated to around £2.5 million in 2025. The Fund will continue to support communities until 2043, creating long-term opportunities for growth, resilience and positive change.
The Fund is managed by an independent, locally based not-for-profit Community Interest Company. It is overseen by a Board of Directors with strong local connections and delivered by a small but dedicated staff team with extensive community engagement experience. We are here to help ensure the Fund delivers on the vision and priorities of local communities.
Over the next 10 years, the Fund is focusing on investment in people, places and businesses — helping the Valleys to thrive, driving bold ideas, supporting transformation and creating lasting impact for current and future generations.