Qualitas Energy, a Spanish company, has unveiled plans for a colossal solar farm in Carmarthenshire, Wales. The proposed solar farm, situated between Carmarthen and Llanelli, is set to cover an area equivalent to more than 120 football pitches. The company envisions the solar farm to be extensive enough to power numerous localities including Kidwelly, St Ishmael, Trimsaran, St Clears, and Carmarthen collectively. Spanning across 90.5 hectares (more than 220 acres), the site named Heolddu is currently under a month-long consultation phase, allowing input from the neighboring communities.
The consultation process initiated on February 19 by Qualitas Energy aims to engage with local residents and gather feedback on the solar farm proposal. The company plans to conduct a comprehensive dialogue with the community while advancing technical evaluations to understand and incorporate local perspectives. The projected solar farm, expected to generate 40MW of renewable electricity, has been earmarked as a ‘Development of National Significance’. Following the conclusion of the consultation stage, the formal submission of plans for approval to Planning and Environment Decisions Wales, a branch of the Welsh Government, will occur.
With two main areas covering 55 and 25 hectares respectively, the solar farm will include an underground cable route connecting the sections. Additional land will be allocated for ecology mitigation and enhancement purposes. Qualitas Energy anticipates that the solar farm will generate sustainable energy equivalent to powering around 10,770 households in its first year, subsequently reducing carbon emissions by approximately 9,961 tonnes annually. The strategic location of the site, situated in a rural landscape east of Ferryside and 4km south of Kidwelly, aligns with Carmarthenshire Council’s objective of becoming a net zero carbon local authority by 2030.
In the wake of Carmarthenshire Council’s declaration of a climate emergency in 2019, the Heolddu Solar Farm presents a pivotal initiative in supporting the council’s ambitions to achieve carbon neutrality within the next decade. The solar farm is projected to meet the energy demands for the council’s housing target of 8,222 new homes scheduled for delivery between 2018 and 2033. By harnessing clean and renewable energy sources, the project is poised to significantly contribute to lowering the county’s carbon footprint and align with the council’s overarching goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030.
To engage further with the public and address any queries or concerns, Qualitas Energy will be hosting an informational event at the Calon y Fferi Community Centre in Ferryside on Thursday, March 6, from 1pm to 7pm. The event aims to offer insights into the solar farm project and provide a platform for community members to voice their opinions and apprehensions. The solar farm project underscores a concerted effort towards sustainable energy generation and environmental preservation, reflecting a proactive approach to combat climate change and advance towards a greener future for Carmarthenshire.