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The National Infrastructure Commission has suggested that 121GW of solar energy is needed to help the UK meet the carbon emissions targets. Solar energy is a key part of the renewable energy mix to generate clean, homegrown energy that will help tackle energy prices and heighten energy security. 

In April 2019, the Welsh Government declared a climate emergency. Since then, decarbonisation targets in Wales have become even more ambitious, with the Welsh Government pledging to achieve 100% of the nation’s energy supplied by low carbon sourced by 2035.   

To meet these targets, low carbon energy will need to be introduced, so the anticipated up to 49MW capacity of this site will make a significant contribution towards this. 

It is quicker and easier to deploy than any other renewable energy generating technology. Solar is also the world’s lowest cost power technology and requires less capital investment and construction. Solar power costs have fallen about 85% since 2010, mainly driven by increasingly efficient production of solar panels, lower installation costs, and advances in materials technology. This makes it better placed to help deliver renewable energy now. 

Solar farms can also be wildlife havens, by incorporating wildflower meadows, restoration of hedgerows, and native planting. The first results of a national survey produced with Lancaster University highlight the valuable biodiversity benefits from solar farms across the UK. 

This area has a high level of solar irradiance to maximise efficient energy production and onsite grid connection. These are two key factors in selecting potential locations for solar farms.  

The energy from the sun's radiation is referred to as solar energy. This energy is received as heat and light and can be converted to various useable forms - the most common being electricity. Photovoltaic cells convert the energy from solar radiation into electricity. 

Energy generated with solar panels can be stored in batteries at sites such as our Greener Grid Parks, stored using technologies such as pumped storage or hydrogen electrolysis or used directly via the National Grid. 

Statkraft is involved in the development and operation of solar farms across the UK and Europe. Our acquisition of Solarcentury in 2020 has strengthened our skills and experience to deliver quality solar projects to renew the way the world is powered. 

The Solarcentury team who joined Statkraft have developed and built out more than 75 solar farms across the UK since 2011, giving them unparalleled experience in solar development in the UK. 

The consultation will take place up until late Spring 2024, followed by submission of the application to PEDW and the Welsh Minister in late Summer 2024. If the application is successful, construction would take around 6-9 months, so the site could be generating solar power by late 2027. 

Early site investigations have started by a team of specialist consultants and Statkraft has submitted a scoping request to Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW) to ensure the appropriate environmental studies are carried out as the proposals are developed.   

These studies will also help identify opportunities for biodiversity enhancement and improvements to be delivered as part of the development. 

Over the next six months we will undertake further surveys and assessments on a range of environmental considerations – including ecology, noise, landscape and visual impact and flooding – to inform the final proposal.