A “CENTRE of excellence for green energy production”, initially costing a whopping £38 million, could be coming to the Vale.

The Cardiff Capital Region has announced it has completed the purchase for the “green transformation” of Aberthaw Power Station.

The 489-acre site in the Vale of Glamorgan has taken a significant step forward to being “transformed”, with the demolition and remediation of the decommissioned power station a step closer.

Cllr Lis Burnett, member of the CCR Regional Cabinet and leader of Vale Council, said the county could become a “zero-carbon manufacturing cluster”.

“The vision for a green energy park in Aberthaw shows the potential for the Vale to become home for a zero-carbon manufacturing cluster and green hydrogen production facilities, as well as a hub for renewable energy projects and storage facility, a catalyst for industrial decarbonisation and giga-plant facilities,” said Cllr Burnett.

“It’s a complete green game changer for our area, the whole region - and Wales as a whole.”

Penarth Times: Things are about to change at Aberthaw Power Station        

Kellie Beirne, director of the CCR City Deal, noted the importance of this latest CCR move saying it was important for all the communities and economies of the region.

“(The deal) has the potential to be the embryo for an ecosystem capable of powering communities, nurturing supply chains, creating sustainable jobs, building resilience into both our trading and foundational economies - and becoming a key catalyst for a move towards the circular economy,” said Ms Beirne.

Originally, Vale Council put forward Aberthaw as a potential site for a prototype nuclear fusion power plant.

Rhys Thomas, COO of the CCR City Deal, put the £38 million Aberthaw investment in its widest context.

“Our investment is ultimately about people as well as the economy,” said Mr Thomas, “with the development becoming a focal point for green energy innovation, growth, knowledge share and community interaction, including a base for a biodiverse ecology reserve, open to people from across our region and beyond. With the purchase now complete.

“We are looking forward to turning these possibilities into a reality that everyone can benefit from.”  

Tom Glover, UK Country Chair, RWE, said he was incredibly pleased to have concluded the sale

“We want to wish Cardiff Capital Region every success in this innovative project,” said Mr Glover.