Major renewable energy scheme set for green light

Plans for a solar farm spread across approximately 34 acres on a site to the north of Swansea which would generate enough electricity for more than 1,000 homes have been recommended for approval.Wessex Solar Energy is seeking permission to construct and operate a 6 MWp solar farm adjacent to its previously permitted Cefn Betingau Solar Park.The proposed solar farm at Rhyd-Y-Pandy consists of more than 25,000 solar panels.On average, the electricity produced from the project would be enough to power about 1,300 homes and prevent the emissions of up to 5,500 tonnes of CO2 annually.Ancillary development would include a small number of inverters and a transformer station placed among the solar panels. There would also be a small substation building and security fencing.According to a report to be scrutinised by Swansea councillors next week, the renewable energy scheme has been recommended for approval, with the balance between the national and international will for a renewable energy future weighed against the impact on the landscape and environment in which it is sited.Wales has a national target to generate 70 per cent of its electricity consumption from renewable energy by 2030.The Wessex Solar Energy application is considered appropriate in terms of its scale and design and would not cause unacceptable loss of amenity to neighbouring properties or surrounding land. Additionally, there would be no “significantly adverse or detrimental impact” on the ecology, habitats or highway safety in the area. Wessex Solar Energy has developed 18 large solar farms in England and Wales, totalling 114 MW.