SSE to convert former coal power station into ‘green energy hub’

SSE Energy Solutions has signed a deal to convert a former coal power station in south Wales into a “green energy hub”.

In particular, SSE will look to redevelop the Aberthaw Power Station site to host a series of technologies including heating and cooling systems, electric vehicle charging and energy management, generation and storage.

The Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) purchased the decommissioned coal-fired power station in 2022 with the intention of converting it into a hub for green energy production.

The 197ha site on the Vale of Glamorgan coast was bought from German energy company RWE in a deal worth £8 million. The CCR intends to spend a further £28.4 million on redevelopment.

The master plan for the site seeks to:

• Support the production of renewable and green energy projects
• Provide an accompanying battery storage facility to support the green energy projects
• Produce a zero carbon manufacturing cluster which will include green hydrogen production facilities
• Provide a green energy innovation centre to promote innovation, growth, knowledge and community interaction with the zero-carbon future of Wales
• Be responsible for the development and maintenance of a bio-diverse ecology park which will include a visitor centre, providing amenities to the local community
• Create the correct conditions to support industrial de-carbonisation and future giga-plant facilities

SSE and CCR have signed a Memorandum of Understanding which will see the former invest in the site.

Carl Davies, director of commercial at SSE Energy Solutions, said: “We aspire to be the UK’s leading provider of local clean energy infrastructure.

“This agreement with CCR Energy means that we can work together to deliver innovative green projects, create good green jobs and create social value in Aberthaw and across South East Wales.”

Councillor Bronwen Brooks, chair of CCR Energy, said: “The Aberthaw Power Station redevelopment continues to provide some spectacular opportunities not only locally, but also regionally.

“The emerging relationship with SSE Energy Solutions will help us realise the benefit of our assets and leverage investment in this innovative and exciting green energy-focused site.”