Swansea’s £4bn renewable energy project takes major step forward

A £4bn renewable energy project in the centre of Swansea has come a step closer following land agreements that, subject to planning permissions, will allow the creation of an internationally significant green energy hub. 

Facilitated by Swansea Council and led by Bridgend-based Batri Ltd and DST Innovations, the scheme will see the expansion of a park and ride site at Fabian Way to create a green energy transport hub which will potentially include a hydrogen manufacturing station for hydrogen-powered transport, electric vehicle charging points as well as restaurants and flexible working areas.

An approved solar farm which is planned at a former landfill site will be expanded to create one of the UK’s largest solar energy generating facilities, while a new manufacturing facility will make high-tech batteries that would store the renewable energy generated by the project.

Swansea Council has also now applied to the UK Government for funding to further explore the potential for a low carbon district heating network. Using excess heat from the data centre, the heating network could heat dozens of major buildings in the SA1 and city centre areas of Swansea.

Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader who made the announcements at the South West Wales Green Economy Conference said: ‘We’ve set a target of becoming a net zero city by 2050. The project being proposed by DST Innovations will considerably help us reach that goal while also creating thousands of jobs and placing Swansea at the heart of global green economy innovation.

‘The land agreements are a big step forward for the project and we look forward to working with DST Innovations and their partners on next steps for a scheme that’s potentially a game-changer for Swansea as we look to create a more prosperous and sustainable city for our children and generations to come.

“We’re also determined to make the most of the project in any way we can to even further cut Swansea’s carbon footprint, which is why we’ve bid for funding to further explore the concept of a district heating network.’

Richard Morgan, of HDR, said: ‘The energy hub is a blueprint of how urban renewal underpinned by green energy should be delivered in future. HDR, Batri and DST as partners are committed to making a meaningful difference to how we can help the local economy grow sustainably.

‘We are harnessing technology that is innovative and also informed by world-renowned research.

‘This collaboration between the council, business and academia will help the community to be better served with respect to access to transportation that is using green energy. This enlightened approach will help our collective aspirations on the drive to achieving net zero whilst creating cleaner spaces and places for future generations to flourish.’