EDF Renewables launches community consultation for 100MW Welsh project. Image: EDF Renewables UK.
EDF Renewables has confirmed it has launched the first phase of community consultation for a renewable energy project near Neath Port Talbot with an anticipated capacity of 100MW.
The Hirfynydd Renewable Energy Park will include a wind farm of up to seven turbines, a solar array in addition to battery storage to capture the intermittent renewable energy. It is located near to Crynant and Seven Sisters.
Revealed in July, the development arm of the French energy giant said a breadth of technologies would increase the site's generation potential while the battery storage element would allow it to store surplus energy and provide grid balancing services.
The company stated it hopes to submit a planning application for Hirfynydd Renewable Energy Park by the end of 2023. This will be assessed Planning and Environmental Decisions Wales and a final decision on its approval taken by the Welsh Government.
Information days will take place on 30 September and 1 October in order to inform the general public on the plans for the project. The information days will also include a 3D computerised model.
“We are keen to share as much information as possible at this early stage and encourage feedback which will help shape our plans. The project is likely to evolve as plans develop so please do take part in the consultation and share your views,” said Simon Morgan, principal development manager at EDF Renewables UK.
In July, the firm said it was carrying out early ecological and other feasibility studies at the site, with events planned in September to share more details of the development with the local communities in Crynant and Seven Sisters.
This increased engagement would allow local communities to raise concerns and help shape the development.
Network Rail recently signed a power purchase agreement with EDF Renewables for its 49.9MW Bloy’s Grove solar farm.
This agreement will cover 15% of Network Rail’s annual consumption of non-traction energy, helping it a step closer to sourcing 100% of such energy from renewables by 2030, a target laid out in its Environmental Sustainability Strategy.
It is one of a flurry of 50MW solar sites under development by the renewables arm of the French energy giant. This including its East Stour Solar Farm in Kent, its Burwell site in South East Cambridgeshire and the Porth Wen site in Anglesey.