Wales’ largest council-owned solar farm could be built near Penyrheol and Abertridwr

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Wales’ largest council-owned solar farm could be built on a mountain side overlooking Penyrheol and Abertridwr, if councillors approve early stage funding for the ambitious project.

Senior councillors look to approve £434,000 of funding to look at the project’s feasibility and develop a full business case. If all goes well, the council would then look at approving the construction early next year.

The location for the 20MW solar farm, at Cwm Ifor Farm, has already been agreed with the landowner and if built would generate enough electricity for 6,000 homes.

According to a report to be considered by councillors tomorrow, Wednesday, June 23, the £12 million project would have a life span of about 35 years and it is estimated that 40 ‘green’ jobs could be created.

Overall funding has not been identified, with the £434,000 going towards looking for sources. The report says the council would look to “partners, community options, Development Bank of Wales, UK Government and any other funding streams to leverage in funding to help deliver this project”.

Cllr Andrew Whitcombe, Cabinet Member for Planning and Sustainability, said: “This ambitious proposal would align to our decarbonisation agenda and would see the potential for the development of a flagship solar farm development capable of producing 20MW annually.

“For context, as a council we currently purchase 28MW per year at a cost of just over £4 million so the expected investment rate of return on such a project is evident, as well as making a significant impact towards delivery of our decarbonisation objectives should the proposal be supported.”

If the initial funding is approved, the public would be consulted to on what community benefit could be secured by the project.

If approved, the project would be classed as a ‘Development of National Significance’ with Welsh Government having the final say on a planning decision rather than Caerphilly County Borough Council.

If the Caerphilly County Borough Council decides not to build the solar farm itself, there is an option for the project to be ‘sold’ to a developer for around £400,000.