Welshpool could be set for a major solar farm

Welshpool could become home to a major solar project after the Town Council gave the green light to negotiations.

Buoyed by the success of placing solar panels on the roof of the Welshpool Information Centre, which didn’t cost the town a penny due to grants, the local authority wants to explore a new project with an unnamed landowner.

The proposal was brought to the table at Wednesday’s Full Council meeting by Cllr Ben Gwalchmai who was behind the first solar panel initiative last year.

He wants to submit a joint private/public bid to Ynni Cymru for a solar farm on the outskirts of the town after speaking with a landowner.

“I am very keen to get more grants for more renewable energy,” Cllr Gwalchmai told fellow councillors. “We have been approached by a local landowner who is very keen to make solar happen on a larger scale.

“We have an opportunity to apply to Ynni Cymru for a full grant, again no cost to Welshpool Town Council to make the application. And if we are successful and get the funding there is no cost to Welshpool Town Council.”

He said the project would require a huge battery and stressed that the entire site would be developed with the environment in mind.

He added that as part of the deal, the council would benefit from cheaper electricity year-round.

His motion to continue negotiations and move the project further was backed by fellow councillors and he will keep them posted with progress.

Cllr Gwalchmai did not disclose who the landowner was or where the solar farm could be located.

PICTURE: Our AI-generated image shows how a solar project could look on the outskirts of Welshpool.

Who are Ynni Cymru?

They are a Welsh Government programme delivered with support from Local Partnerships.

It is a publicly-owned energy company for Wales, with a goal of expanding community-owned renewable energy generation.

The four objectives of Ynni Cymru are:

1. To expand locally-owned renewable energy used and generated in Wales
2. To optimise the efficiency and effectiveness of locally owned renewable energy use and generation projects
3. To accelerate the transition and deployment of smart local energy systems across Wales
4. To facilitate a just transition to net zero, retaining the benefits for Welsh communities