Today marks an important day in the former 1500MW Aberthaw coal fired power station’s history as The Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) has committed to purchase the site for £8m to develop and reposition it as an exemplar for green energy production in the region.
Aberthaw Power Station closed in 2020 after almost 50 years of operations. The site played a critical role in the UK’s power generation mix since it began operations in 1971, establishing strong links with the community and contributing millions of pounds to the local economy.
The decision to close the station contributed to the company’s goal to reduce its CO2 emissions with a target of net zero emissions by 2040.
Following approval to purchase from the CCR’s Regional Cabinet, CCR plans to remediate, redevelop and reposition the site, maximising its long-term development potential to drive sustainable, clean economic growth across the South-East Wales region.
The proposed Master Plan for the redevelopment of the Aberthaw site, will seek to:
RWE is at the forefront of green innovation and is committed to investing £15 billion in the UK in green energy projects by 2030. This sale reaffirms RWE’s transition from fossil fuel generator to that of one of the world’s leading renewable generators.
Tom Glover, UK Country Chair, RWE, commented on the sale: “The Aberthaw Power Station site has been at the industrial heart of Wales for over 50 years. It played an invaluable role helping to secure the energy supplies across the UK electricity system and we are very proud of everyone who worked at the site and would like to thank them and the local community for all of their support.
“We are incredibly pleased that Cardiff Capital Region have a future vision of a green and renewable transformation of the site which very much mirrors RWE’s transformation into Wales’ largest renewable generator and our ambition for a net zero generation fleet. We want to wish Cardiff Capital Region every success in this innovative project”.
Economy Minister Vaughan Gething MS said: “We are pleased to see Cardiff Capital Region play a leading role in a project designed to deliver new jobs in a stronger, greener regional economy. The proposed plan for Aberthaw is positive news which fits well with our commitment to develop tidal lagoon projects and support ideas that can help Wales become a world centre for emerging tidal technologies. The Welsh Government’s support for City Deals is integral to our vision to developing stronger economic regions in a Team Wales recovery.”
Kellie Beirne, Director for the CCR City Deal said: “The acquisition of the Aberthaw Power Station site is a significant opportunity for the Cardiff Capital Region to take ownership of a major strategic site, which will support green and clean economic growth, innovation, and job creation within a key industry of the future – demonstrating compatibility of climate and economic aims.”