£4bn Swansea renewable energy project progresses

A £4bn renewable energy project in Swansea has taken a major step forward.Swansea Council, DST Innovations and Batri have now finalised on land agreements.Subject to planning permission, the agreements will lead to the expansion of the Fabian Way park and ride site to create a green energy transport hub. This would potentially include a manufacturing station for hydrogen-powered transport, electric vehicle charging points, and restaurants and flexible working areas.Also included would be a new manufacturing facility on the former Morrisey site in SA1 to make high-tech batteries that would store the renewable energy generated by the project and for worldwide distribution.It would also lead to the expansion of approved solar farm plans at the former Tir John landfill site to create one of the UK’s largest solar energy generating facilities.Swansea Council said that DST Innovations is also continuing to make “positive progress” on all other elements of the overall project. These include a tidal lagoon, a battery farm to store the renewable energy generated on site, a floating solar panel facility, an oceanic and climate change research centre, eco-homes anchored in the water, and a hyper-scale data centre.Now Swansea Council has also applied to the UK Government for funding to further explore the potential for a low carbon district heating network. The network, using excess heat from the data centre, could heat dozens of major buildings in the SA1 and city centre areas of Swansea.Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council leader 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.”Enable chief executive Shane O’Halloran added: “Enable is delighted and excited to be supporting the DST and Batri team in the development and delivery of the energy and transport hub in Swansea.”