Public urged to have their say on plans for Plas Power Solar Project

Members of the public are being invited to have their say on updated plans for the Plas Power Solar Project.

The scheme, on land east of Coedpoeth, aims provide a source of renewable energy, helping to reduce carbon emissions and contribute to Wales’ net-zero goals and towards the UK’s ambition of a fivefold increase in solar energy generation.

It is estimated that the solar project could generate up to 57MWac of electricity, which is equivalent to providing enough power to meet the annual electricity needs of approximately 27,726 homes, saving 15,821 tonnes of carbon.

The ~140 hectare site is located immediately east of Coedpoeth and is a former open cast coal mine and is currently predominantly grassland used for grazing.

In April 2019, the Welsh Government declared a climate emergency and published its Future Wales: The National Plan 2040 in 2021.

The rising cost of energy and the need for energy security makes the delivery of renewable energy projects increasingly vital.

Katy McGuiness, Head of Environmental Planning UK of Lightsource bp, said: “We believe that the Plas Power Solar Project could make a significant contribution to Wrexham County Borough Council’s renewable energy targets in the immediate future.

“We are committed to responsibly developing sustainable renewable energy projects delivering benefits that go beyond solar to the surrounding environment and communities.

“We place great value in the knowledge and views of the communities in which we operate and look forward to hearing the thoughts and ideas of local residents and stakeholders as we continue to develop our proposals.”

Lightsource bp is to working with local communities in relation to the Plas Power Solar Project to ensure local understanding of the plans.

Following the initial engagement in 2021, Lightsource bp has updated the proposals and is now carrying out the next phase of engagement to give local people the opportunity to find out more and discuss the updated proposals with the project team.

The Lightsource bp team will be at the following locations to discuss the proposals with the local community:

• Plas Pentwyn Community Centre, Castle Road, Coedpoeth, LL11 3NU, on Tuesday 27 June from 12pm – 5pm
• Brymbo Sports and Social Complex, Heritage Way, Tanyfron, LL11 5TG on Tuesday 27 June from 6pm – 8pm
• Brymbo Sports and Social Complex, Heritage Way, Tanyfron, LL11 5TG on Wednesday 28 June from 9am – 1pm

The project team are also hosting a webinar on Tuesday 20 June from 6pm to 7pm providing an opportunity to find out more about the project and meet the team virtually. You can register your interest at https://lightsourcebp.com/uk/project/plas-power/.

Further information about the project as well as an online feedback form is available at the project website. The deadline for comments is Monday 17 July.

All feedback will then be reviewed and used to help inform the final proposals for the energy park. The detailed proposals will form the basis of the statutory consultation later this year.

To find out more and sign up for updates on the proposals, visit https://lightsourcebp.com/uk/project/plas-power/.