News
350mw Pembroke power station battery storage scheme hopes
PLANS are in motion for a groundbreaking 350MW battery energy storage facility at Pembroke Power Station, as revealed by the recent submission of preliminary details to county planners.
RWE Generation UK plc has moved forward with an environmental impact screening opinion request in anticipation of presenting full plans. These are set to detail provisions for as many as 549 battery units, along with necessary supporting infrastructure, at the power station situated in Pwllcrochan, Pembroke.
In a statement accompanying the request, RWE Generation UK plc emphasised that while the final design is still in the works, the broader vision is clear. “RWE stands at the forefront of the global energy transition, leading in renewables and pioneering offshore wind development. Our aim with this project is to bolster our ongoing transformation towards a greener future under the banner of the Pembroke Net Zero Centre (PNZC). This will encompass the integration of cutting-edge technologies essential for a low carbon era.”
The PNZC initiative by RWE is anchored on three main pillars: the production of green hydrogen, the decarbonisation of the Pembroke Power Station, and the exploration of floating offshore wind. Within this framework, the proposed battery system will play a pivotal role, especially in supporting offshore wind and aiding the National Grid Electricity System Operator’s goal of achieving a zero-carbon electricity grid by 2025.
RWE further elaborated, “Our PNZC will amalgamate the vast spectrum of our decarbonisation expertise, merging innovation with offshore wind, power engineering, and the design/operation of highly sophisticated plants.”
Key details of the proposal reveal that the facility will encompass a battery energy storage system, supplementary equipment, and cabling, all with a grid connection import and export capability of 350MW. Optimal connectivity to the electricity grid is anticipated through proximity to the power station’s existing substation infrastructure, ensuring minimal cable routing distances.
Earlier this year, RWE Generation UK introduced the concept of the Pembroke Battery Energy Storage System during a meeting with Pembrokeshire County Council in April. This was followed by a pre-application enquiry in May.
If all goes according to plan and subsequent approvals are granted, construction might commence in the latter half of 2024. The ambitious timeline aims to have the battery facility up and running by the end of 2026.
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.
Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.
The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.
Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.
(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
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