Solar farm gets approval at former steelworks site

THE go-ahead has been given for the construction of a huge solar farm at the site of the former Llanwern steelworks in Newport.

It is the first renewable energy project to receive planning permission as a development of national significance under the Planning (Wales) Act 2015.

Once operational, it will provide enough electricity to power 15,000 homes and save 21,000 tonnes in CO2 emissions each year.

Planning specialists from Savills submitted the application on behalf of the Gwent Farmers Community Solar Scheme.

The plans comprise the installation of a solar farm with up to 250,000 solar panels and 200 battery storage units with a capacity to generate 49.9 megawatts of green energy.

The site is located to the south of the former Llanwern steelworks, on land owned by nine local farmers.

The scheme, which was four years in the planning stage, will enable the landowners to diversify their agricultural enterprise and enhance the biodiversity of the area.

Work on the project is expected to commence next spring or summer, and become operational by the end of the year.

Nick Beddoe, senior planner for Savills, said: “This is an excellent result for the future of renewable energy production in Wales.

“We expect the scheme to save over 21,000 tonnes of CO2 per annum, which will make a significant contribution towards the stringent energy targets set out by the Welsh Government.

“Not only does the scheme make good use of the existing infrastructure, previously used to service heavy industry, it will support the future prosperity of the local farming community through diversification.”

Welsh Government ministers agreed with the inspector’s recommendation and granted planning consent, noting that the decision would “drive sustainable growth and combat climate change.”