Huge Gowerton solar farm takes major step forward after UK Government funding award
The Parc Caenewydd scheme has been handed a guaranteed price for the electricity it would generate if it goes ahead. The award came as part of a national clean‑energy auction published today, which confirmed a 44‑megawatt solar farm submitted by Infinis (Gowerton) Limited had been successful.
The funding deal makes the project more financially attractive to developers, but it does not give the green light for construction. The plans are still being examined by Welsh Government planning inspectors, and the final decision will be made by ministers in Cardiff, not Swansea Council.
The proposal has already sparked strong local reaction.
Swansea Council’s cabinet member for environment, Cllr Andrew Stevens, who is also a local farmer, has spoken out against the development. But because of its size, the council has no power to approve or reject it. The application is being handled as a Development of National Significance, meaning Welsh Ministers will make the final call.
The solar farm would cover fields between Gowerton, Garden Village, Waunarlwydd and Fforestfach. It has already been through several rounds of consultation and remains one of the most debated planning proposals in Swansea.
Map showing the red‑line boundary of the proposed Parc Caenewydd solar farm behind Gowerton’s waste water treatment works, covering farmland around the Day’s car sales site on Swansea Road and backing onto the former ALCOA works.
UK ministers said today’s auction marked a major moment for clean energy across Wales and the wider UK.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said the results showed clean British power was now significantly cheaper than gas.
“These results shows once again that clean British power is the right choice for our country, agreeing a price for new onshore wind and solar that is over 50% cheaper than the cost of building and operating new gas.
“By backing solar and onshore wind at scale, we’re driving bills down for good and protecting families, businesses, and our country from the fossil fuel rollercoaster controlled by petrostates and dictators.
“This is how we take back control of our energy and deliver a new era of energy abundance and independence.”
Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens said Wales was leading the way on clean energy.
“Wales is at the forefront of the clean energy revolution and today’s results have delivered a record-breaking number of new solar and onshore wind projects for Wales.
“This follows the recent announcement of a contract for Awel y Môr fixed offshore wind farm in North Wales, and Erebus floating offshore wind farm off the coast of Pembrokeshire and shows that renewable energy is delivering good well-paid jobs in every part of Wales, helping to grow our economy and drive down household bills.”
Energy Minister Michael Shanks said the UK had now secured the most homegrown clean power in its history.
“Today’s results, combined with last month’s record-breaking offshore wind results, clearly show that we have secured the most clean, homegrown power in British history, putting the country firmly on track to meet our clean power mission and bring down bills for good.
“These results also show once again that clean, homegrown power is the right choice for Wales, with the first offshore wind project, Awel y Môr in over a decade and a record number of Welsh solar projects – at a price significantly cheaper than the cost of building and operating new gas.”
Chris Stark, head of the Government’s Mission Control team, said the results would strengthen the UK’s energy security.
“Today’s record results are another boost for Britain’s 2030 clean power mission. They mean more homegrown power, greater energy security, at a good price for the consumer. With each new solar and onshore wind project we reduce Britain’s reliance on gas power plants, insulating families from the next spike in global gas prices.”
For residents living near the proposed site, the key point remains unchanged: the project has secured funding, but it has not secured permission. The planning decision is still to come, and today’s announcement is likely to reignite debate over one of Swansea’s most controversial developments.
Related stories from Swansea Bay News
Huge Gowerton solar farm goes to statutory consultation
First major public consultation held on the Parc Caenewydd plans.
Further consultations to be held on plans for huge new Fforestfach solar farm
Developers announce additional engagement after community concerns.
Council’s cabinet member for environment speaks out against massive solar farm plans
Cllr Andrew Stevens voices opposition to the scale of the development.
Latest consultation dates announced for massive new Fforestfach solar farm
Updated timetable released for the next round of public events.
Massive new solar farm that could power 11,500 homes could be coming to Gorseinon
Early details on the scale and potential output of the proposed site.
Continuous ribbon of housing could stretch from Penllergaer to Gowerton as new 600‑home scheme unveiled
Wider development pressures in the same corridor highlighted by new housing plans.
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