An international consortium is lining up to deliver a major renewable energy project in Swansea, valued at £4.2 billion.
by Rory Butler / November 25, 2022
Construction firm HDR, infrastructure solution specialists, Enable, and Siemens are among those on board to deliver the Blue Eden project, a ground-breaking development that will change the face of the SA1 and dock area of the city forever.
The scheme is led by battery manufacturer, Batri Ltd and technology solutions firm, DST Innovations – backed by Swansea Council. The UK Government provided £200,000 via its Community Renewal Fund.
Hydropower supplier ANDRITZ Hydro is also said to be involved.
Forerunner to the larger scheme is a renewable energy transport hub, set to be the ‘largest facility of its kind in the UK’.
- electric/hydrogen charging facilities (cars, public transport)
- new recreational areas
- an indoor Restaurant Quarter
The wider scheme:
- a tidal energy lagoon
- a new data centre
- a battery manufacturing plant
- green hydrogen production facilities
- a floating solar panel farm
A battery storage facility for the renewable energy generated on site is also planned, as well as “hundreds of waterfront homes” and an Oceanic and Climate Change Research Centre.
Social value
Local supply chain arrangements, and skills and job opportunities in Swansea associated with the development are being explored by the council and consortium. It is thought more than 2,500 jobs could result from the scheme, which could take 13 years to deliver.
“As well as helping tackle Climate Change by further decarbonising the city in line with our net-zero targets, this project will also create many thousands of jobs for local people while providing even more charging facilities for electric and hydrogen vehicles to meet people’s needs for many years to come,” said Swansea Council Leader, Cllr Rob Stewart.
Shane O’Halloran, CEO of Enable, added: “Enable has signed an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) with Batri and DST Innovations for the delivery of the Energy Hub in Swansea.”
Subject to planning consent, work will start 2023.
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