Site location
Gyn Taff Solar Farm would be located approximately 2 km to the east of Pontypridd Town centre.
The scheme extends to approximately 101 hectares (ha) on the southern slopes of Eglwysilan Common, to the southeast of Pontypridd Golf Club.
The proposed site is situated within the wards of Rhydfelin Central, Trallwng and Treforest, in Rhonda Cynon Taf.
About the proposal
The proposal for the 36.6MW solar farm includes the construction of a ground-mounted solar photovoltaic farm, associated landscaping works, infrastructure and access, located within the existing landscape of stone walls, hedgerows and woodland.
The panels will convert the energy from sunlight into electricity.
The operational life of the Glyn Taff Solar Farm would be 35 years, providing long-term carbon dioxide savings and significant improvement to biodiversity in the locality.
This would be a temporary use of farmland that is easily reversed at the end of its operational life.
Access route options
There are two construction and operational site access options under consideration, both of which are through existing farm access points at Bryntail Farm and Tir Cae-Mawr Farm.
If consented, construction is expected to take 6 months.
Grid connections
The site is ideally located for access to the local electricity grid network, being only 3km from the nearest substation at Upper Boat, Treforest.
Electricity generated will enter the National Grid transmission network and be transported across Wales.
Environmental considerations
Compared to intensive farming practices, a solar farm brings multi-functional benefits of energy production alongside net environmental gain for habitats and species.
A solar farm can be an opportunity to keep the land pesticide and chemical free – enables species to thrive and improves soil quality.
Glyn Taff has been selected following an extensive feasibility study and rigorous site assessment process including grid availability, landscape, heritage, and ecological assessments that help inform the development of our proposals.
The proposal will take account of local features including existing stone walls, protected habitats and species, and the protected Public Rights of Way (PRoW).
The project would achieve a net benefit for biodiversity through:
- Enhancing habitat corridors
- Providing greater foraging opportunities
- Encouraging pollinators
Project timeline
We have undertaking site surveys and environmental assessments to inform the preparation of a planning application and will be submitted an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Scoping Direction request to PEDW.
We will proactively consult with the local community on the developing design before the submission of the planning application.
We want to ensure the community are given all the available information on the proposal and are given every opportunity ask questions and input provide their thoughts to maximise the benefit for the local area and the people that live there.