Businesses sign up to major renewable energy project in Swansea

Engineering and construction giants HDR and infrastructure solution specialists Enable are among the firms to have signed up, along with Siemens, a global technology company focused on electrification and digitisation for industry, infrastructure and transportation.

The consortium is also working with a major energy company, and further announcements are planned for release in the coming weeks.

Facilitated by Swansea Council and led by Bridgend-based Batri Ltd and DST Innovations, the substantial Swansea project in the SA1 area of the city encompasses the best in sustainable technology.

A renewable energy transport hub is proposed as a forerunner to the larger scheme and is set to become the largest transport facility of its kind in the UK.  The hub will include electric and hydrogen charging facilities for cars and public transport vehicles, e-bikes and e-scooters, recreational areas, and an indoor restaurant quarter.

The energy hub forms part of the larger scheme that reinvents the dock area and includes a tidal lagoon, a mega data centre, a high-tech battery manufacturing plant, green hydrogen production, floating solar panels, and a battery storage facility for the renewable energy generated on-site.  Other elements of the larger scheme include affordable homes and an oceanic and climate change research centre.

The consortium is working closely with the council to support its beyond bricks and mortar policy that’s aimed at accessing local supply chain opportunities and developing skills and job opportunities locally, and companies are encouraged to get in contact.

Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said: “The announcement of partners of this reputation and quality is a statement of intent for this project, which will place Swansea at the global forefront of renewable energy technology and generation.

“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.”

Richard Morgan, Director of HDR, said: “Imaginative urban regeneration that will bring Swansea City Council’s vision to life is such a laudable ambition. It is such a privilege that HDR will be able to share its expertise from around the globe, to help realise the aspirations of all the partners involved.

“Supporting this initiative will seek to bring prosperity into the area, create opportunities for local people and we will all witness the transformation of Swansea and the surrounding environs. HDR is truly delighted to be playing a role in this once in a lifetime opportunity”.

Shane O’Halloran, CEO of Enable said. “We are delighted to announce that Enable has signed an MOU with Batri and DST Innovations for the delivery of the Energy Hub in Swansea.  We are thrilled to be part of this ground-breaking project and are excited for the opportunities this special relationship and collaboration will unlock in the future.”

Subject to planning consent, work would start on-site in 2023.