Manufacturer plans to build wind turbines and solar panels to create its own green energy

A Rhymney-based manufacturer wants to build wind turbines and solar panels to power its work in an environmentally friendly way. 

Convatec, based on the Heads of the Valleys Industrial Estate, has plans to build a ‘Green Manufacturing Hub’ which will create wind and solar energy to power its two Welsh plants. 

Plans suggest that the hub will include three wind turbines, and around ten hectares of solar panels, providing a total generating capacity of around 20MW.

If built, the hub will “significantly reduce Convatec’s reliance on gas and grid electricity at its Rhymney and Deeside plants”.

The business, which makes global medical products and technologies and employs over 100 people in Rhymney, has also suggested that neighbouring businesses may use surplus energy and that a Community Benefits Fund of around £75,000 per year may be set up. 

Matthew Cornish, Rhymney Interim Plant Director, said: “Transitioning our operations to clean, green locally produced energy will improve our resilience, ensuring we can continue to produce our world-leading medical products that positively touch the lives of people with chronic illness on a daily basis, over the long-term here in Rhymney.

“We are committed to supporting our local community and look forward to further engaging with neighbours, stakeholders and local businesses to continue the process of identifying opportunities for working together to achieve positive community-focused outcomes.”

The project is expected to exceed a 10MW capacity meaning it is considered a Development of National Significance and will be decided by Welsh Government.

This means Convatec will send its proposals to the Welsh Government and complete a six-week statutory consultation that will run from April 17 to May 29.

There are also two community events where residents can discuss the proposals and give feedback. 

These events will take place on Wednesday, May 15, from 3pm to 6pm at Upper Rhymney Primary School and Thursday, May 16, from 10am to 2pm at Rhymney Day Centre, Tre-York St.

More information about the project can be found on Convatec’s website.