Statkraft has submitted an Environmental Impact Assessment Scoping Report for a green hydrogen project, to Planning and Environment Wales.
The report for the Trecwn Green Energy Hub in Pembrokeshire was provided by the developer after revisions were made in response to comments from stakeholders, residents, and the general public.
Statkraft’s project team is presently evaluating two options for the location of the green hydrogen production facility within the former Royal Navy Armaments Depot and has modified the project boundary for the solar farm as a direct result of the input received from the neighbourhood.
The Trecwn Green Energy Hub’s initial proposal, which was made during the early engagement, was chosen due to its accessibility, especially with regard to the distribution of hydrogen for use in transportation and industry.
The second alternative, which was covered in the scoping report, would relocate components farther from dwellings and would benefit from being close to the site’s water supply.
The findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment will guide the selection of the final preferable location.
The area that would be used for solar panels has been reduced, which has caused it to be farther from some nearby properties.
The final plans will avoid high-quality agricultural land in accordance with the goals of the Welsh Government, and the 42 hectares that Statkraft was originally considering will be further reduced to about 28 hectares.
Three tonnes of green hydrogen per day would be produced by Trecwn Green Energy Hub.
It is planned that trains operating on rail lines west of Swansea would be propelled by green hydrogen produced at Trecwn.
Many of the advantages of railway electrification, such as using a zero-carbon fuel, are delivered by hydrogen trains, but at substantially lower capital costs and with less need for new infrastructure.
Additionally, it may run nearby companies and businesses, as well as the fleet of garbage collection trucks and buses operated by the Pembrokeshire Council.
“I’d want to thank everyone who has interacted with us and contributed their thoughts and ideas for Trecwn Green Energy Hub,” said Michael O Broin, senior project manager at Statkraft.
“It’s incredibly encouraging that over 80% of respondents to the feedback form were either very positive or supportive, and it’s great to see the initiative recognised in the Senedd. I think this shows that Pembrokeshire and Wales as a whole have a real desire for producing green energy.”
