A new 8.6 MW solar farm will be developed near Pembroke Dock, with Shawton Energy Limited having acquired the project from One Planet Developments Limited.

The plans for a nine-megawatt solar farm at West Farm, Cosheston, near Pembroke Dock have been made by James Wallwork of One Planet Developments Limited on land adjoining an existing solar farm.

The over 14,000-panel solar farm received planning approval last year and the development of this project reflects Shawton Energy’s continued provision of secure and decarbonized energy solutions for its customers, the company states.

The over 14,000-panel solar farm received planning approval last year and the development of this project reflects Shawton Energy’s continued provision of secure and decarbonized energy solutions for its customers, the company states.
The over 14,000-panel solar farm received planning approval last year and the development of this project reflects Shawton Energy’s continued provision of secure and decarbonized energy solutions for its customers, the company states. (Pic supplied)

An updated scheme for the solar farm, was unanimously approved by Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee last March, with local county councillor Cllr Brian Hall, stating in moving recommendation: “I think this should be approved, I don’t think it’s doing any harm.”

Despite objections being received, citing visual intrusion of the landscape, and highway safety; Cosheston Community Council supported the plans, which stating that they would be a natural rounding-off of the site, with no detrimental impact as it would neighbour the existing solar farm.

Construction of the solar farm will commence shortly, with energy generation projected to begin later this year.

The solar farm will produce enough green electricity to power 2,500 homes per year, saving over 2,000 tonnes of carbon annually.

Cosheston Community Council supported the plans, which stating that they would be a natural rounding-off of the site, with no detrimental impact as it would neighbour the existing solar farm.
Cosheston Community Council supported the plans, which stating that they would be a natural rounding-off of the site, with no detrimental impact as it would neighbour the existing solar farm. (Pic supplied)

The company states that this project comes in response to growing demand from businesses for long-term, low-cost energy and reductions to greenhouse gas emissions, while lacking the space to install solar panels on their own sites.

“The acquisition of this ready-to-build asset from One Planet is a major milestone for Shawton Energy, as we continue to support British businesses in meeting their sustainability targets whilst reducing their energy costs,” said Jamie Shaw, CEO at Shawton Energy.

“We’ve been growing our on-site generation PPA portfolio for almost 10 years and are pleased to expand our local and renewable electricity generation offering. True to our strategy, this project will support our corporate and industrial clients in their cost reduction and environmental programmes.

Despite objections being received, citing visual intrusion of the landscape, and highway safety;
Despite objections being received, citing visual intrusion of the landscape, and highway safety - Pembrokeshire County Council's planning committee backed the plans. (Pic supplied)

“This is an exciting opportunity to further build, strengthen and diversify our existing solar portfolio. It demonstrates our commitment to expanding small-scale distributed infrastructure and supporting national and corporate renewable energy targets.”

Robert Wall, Head of Sustainable Private Infrastructure at Lazard Asset Management (Director of Shawton Energy), continued: “We are committed to supporting the development of local, distributed and sustainable energy and we are pleased to be further supporting Shawton Energy in its continued growth and local investments.

Solar farm Cosheston
James Stoney, Business Development Director at One Planet Developments, said: “One Planet is very pleased to have worked with Shawton Energy on this fantastic project. Having developed the site from scratch through to ready-to-build stage, we look forward to seeing Shawton Energy build, own and operate it.” (Pic supplied)

“We recognise the critical role that diverse forms of renewable energy have in meeting the rising demand for electricity, and this Welsh project provides a clear opportunity to provide UK businesses with the low-cost energy they need to grow.”

James Stoney, Business Development Director at One Planet Developments, added: “One Planet is very pleased to have worked with Shawton Energy on this fantastic project. Having developed the site from scratch through to ready-to-build stage, we look forward to seeing Shawton Energy build, own and operate it.”