Solar Power Expansion in Wales: Doubling the Number of Large-Scale Solar Parks

The number of large-scale solar parks in Wales is set to double, with rural areas in West Wales increasingly becoming a focus for developers. According to data from Solarbuzz, 18 solar schemes exceeding 5 megawatts (MW) are already operational, with an additional 34 projects either in planning stages or under construction.

Developers Favoring Greenfield Sites

Council officers have noted that developers prefer greenfield sites due to their scale and cost-effectiveness. Eifion Bowen, Head of Planning at Carmarthenshire Council, explained:

“Developers have been particularly keen on greenfield sites for reasons of scale and to keep costs down.”

This preference aligns with the drive to meet the growing demand for renewable energy, though it raises questions about land use and environmental balance.

Policy Changes Under Consideration

The Welsh government is consulting on whether decision-making authority for larger renewable energy schemes should be transferred from local councils to national oversight. This proposal aims to accelerate progress toward ambitious green energy targets but could reduce local influence on planning decisions.

Government Subsidies Driving Growth

The expansion of solar parks has been largely driven by UK government subsidies, although these incentives are set to be phased out by 2015. This impending change has prompted a surge in applications and development activity across the region.

Regional Solar Developments

Carmarthenshire currently hosts seven operational solar sites, with two additional applications pending approval. In Pembrokeshire, there are three operational solar parks, while 12 more are either in development or awaiting planning approval. Notably, three projects in Pembrokeshire were granted approval on appeal after initial refusals by the council.

On Anglesey, a newly completed 15MW solar park is now contributing to the National Grid. Meanwhile, Flintshire is set to consider a massive 45MW project in July, which could significantly boost Wales' renewable energy capacity.

A Landmark Project in Wales

Wales’ newest solar park, located on the former BP petrochemical site at Baglan, exemplifies the potential to repurpose brownfield sites for renewable energy. Such projects demonstrate how Wales can balance sustainability goals with land conservation.

Local Contributions to Solar Energy

Projects like Ty Croes School in Carmarthen, installed by 1 Vision Solar, highlight the role of smaller-scale initiatives in complementing large solar parks. These projects contribute to the national renewable energy grid while fostering community-level engagement with green energy.