The Pitmen power ahead with solar project at Keys Park
Hednesford Town Football Club has completed a landmark renewable energy project that sees the club become the first at its level in Europe to install a solar and battery system of this scale.
Delivered in partnership with Heatable the system now includes a total of 387 solar panels, combining to form a 172kW solar array and supported by 384kWh of battery storage. Phase one was completed in December 2024, with 100kW of solar panels and 96kWh battery storage installed on the main stand.
Phase two, now finished, added a further 160 panels and a significantly larger battery solution – allowing the club to generate and store renewable energy on-site, reduce long-term energy costs, and operate more sustainably.
Club Owner and Chairman, Craig Gwilt, said: “Hednesford has always been a town forged by grit, unity and a proud coal mining heritage. It’s a legacy we wear with pride – The Pitmen, emblazoned on our shirts, etched into our club’s identity, and echoed every time we take to the pitch. But legacy doesn’t just live in the past – it inspires everything we build now.
“We’ll always honour where we’ve come from, but we’re just as passionate about where we’re going. This is a powerful symbol of change, not just for the club, but for the town. We’re proud to be leading the way in non-league football with a project that shows our commitment to sustainability and forward thinking.”
Ben Price, Co-Founder of Heatable added: “We are always proud to deliver projects that make a real difference, but this one stands out for the scale of its impact – not only for the local community but also for the wider grid network. Our ongoing commitment to sustainability is central to everything we do, and it’s rewarding to see that reflected in practical, forward-looking solutions that will now support the club and the residents of Hednesford.”
The solar initiative forms part of the wider investment programme at Keys Park. Alongside the renewable energy project, the club has introduced a next-generation hybrid pitch, improved drainage infrastructure, and continues to enhance supporter facilities.
With the 2025/26 season now underway, the club remains focused on building a more sustainable and ambitious future – on and off the pitch.
Heatable documented Phase One of this project in a three part video series on their YouTube channel.
