Developer company St Modwen intends to install 40,000 solar panels that will provide electricity for 2,000 private households.
The company's management has already requested the county council’s permission to install the panels in the area that is a part of BP Chemical Plant. This refinery was opened in 1963 and was referred to the complex in Lendarsy. By 1968, the plant has become one of Europe's largest refineries, employing 2,500 people. But the changes that took place in the market, led to the decrease in production between 1994 and 2004, and the subsequent closure.
Now St Modwen company that has recently completed the project at the University of Swansea proposes to create a solar park in this area with a total capacity of 10 megawatts, which is equivalent to the amount of energy consumed by 2,000 households. All the mounted solar panels will be connected to the national power network. Also, the complex will include an electric substation, 20m height communication tower and the security system, which includes fencing and CCTV system.
In its appeal to the district council St Modwen company drew attention to the fact that the section was exhausted and unfit for reclamation. In addition, the power grids are nearby, eliminating the need to create the infrastructure necessary to connect the solar park to the national grid. Another indisputable fact is that the installation of solar panels is appropriate from the aesthetic point of view.
District Advisor Paul Greenaway commented the request as follows: "I do not see this object as attractive, but it will be connected to the national networks and if we can help people, we must do it, despite the fact that neither local people, nor Welsh will not benefit from it."
It is noteworthy that in 2014 the UK commissioned solar panels with a total capacity of 2.5 gigawatts. During the current year it is expected to increase capacity for 2 gigawatts.
