BRYNGOLWG, SOUTH WALES
UK SOLAR
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Enviromena has developed and constructed an 8.99MWp solar farm in Rhigos, Aberdare which has been acquired by Blackfinch Investments. The scheme was energised in September 2023 by Enviromena’s construction team.
PROJECT DETAILS
Annual Energy Yield (MWh)
Tonnes of CO2 saved every year*
Equivalent number of homes powered**
WHAT WAS INVOLVED
The initial development work for the project, including security grid capacity was undertaken by a third-party developer prior to Enviromena commencing work on the planning application in early 2022.
PLANNING APPROVAL
Detailed community engagement was undertaken with Rhigos Community Council and letter drop was undertaken to local homes and businesses in area to obtain their feedback on the project prior to a full planning application being submitted. A project website was also set up to provide additional information. Feedback from the local community was used to help shape the planning application which was submitted to Rhondda Cynon Taf council in May 2022.
The site contains historic coal mining features and as such detailed mitigation and engagement was required with the Coal Authority throughout the planning process. Sufficient buffers from the coal mining features were agreed with, working closely alongside our specialist geotechnical expert. Furthermore, detailed engagement was also undertaken with Natural Resources Wales and additional planting at the site was agreed to protect views from nearby vantage points.
Full support from Rhigos Community Council was received and the project received very few local objections. The project was granted planning permission by way of a unanimous committee vote in early November 2022.
PROJECT COMPLETED IN OCTOBER 2023
Following the completion of construction in October 2023 the project was energised and it is now injecting power into the national grid.
MANAGEMENT OF THE SITE
Enviromena are appointed by Blackfinch to manage the site following its completion under a long-term O&M contract, including full performance monitoring, security monitoring, preventive / reactive maintenance and landscape management.
PROJECT TIMELINE
First project engagement following discussions with third party developer.
Meeting with Rhigos Community Council and public consultation undertaken.
Planning application submitted to Rhondda Cynon Taf Council.
Project granted planning at committee by way of unanimous committee vote.
8.99MWp project energised.
*0.19338 kg per kWh (GOV.UK – 2022)
**2,700kWh per annum – average sized UK home (Ofgem)