EDF Renewables UK is planning to develop a 100 MW renewable energy park in Neath Port Talbot.
The Hirfynydd Park will feature of a mix of generating technologies, including a wind farm of up to seven turbines, a solar farm and battery storage. The spread is intended to harness Britain’s variable weather. Its projected capacity will meet the green electricity needs of approximately 40,000 households.
The proposed venture near Crynant and Seven Sisters joins the operator’s 5GW pipeline of low-carbon generation in the UK. If built, it will be the latest addition to the French-parented firm’s 38 operating renewable sites in Britain.
The clean power developer has been carrying out early ecological and feasibility studies around the Hirfynydd site. Events to share information and obtain early feedback with residents will be held in Crynant and Seven Sisters in September.
EDF Renewables UK will submit a scoping report to Planning and Environmental Decisions Wales. An application to erect a meteorological mast – to collect wind speed data – will also be submitted to Neath Port Talbot County Council.
EDF Renewables UK hopes to submit a planning application for Hirfynydd Renewable Energy Park towards the end of 2023. The application will be assessed by Planning and Environmental Decisions Wales, with a final decision being taken by the Welsh Government.
Emmanuel Macron’s government two week ago announced its intention to fully nationalise the debt-laden state-controlled operator, buying the 16% of the firm in private hands, at a cost likely to exceed Euros 5 billion.
