Wedoany.com Report-Mar 1, Innova has entered into a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Welsh Water to supply renewable energy to Dwr Cymru’s Five Fords sewage treatment works. The energy will be sourced from Innova’s Wrexham and Cefn solar farms, both located in the Wrexham area, for a duration of 40 years.

Planning approval for Wrexham Solar Park was secured in November 2022, followed by Cefn Park in March 2023. Construction of these sites is expected to begin soon. Together, the two solar farms will have a combined capacity of 15MW. Part of this energy will power the Five Fords facility, while surplus electricity will support other Dwr Cymru locations.

As part of the agreement, Dwr Cymru is upgrading the internal grid infrastructure at Five Fords. These improvements aim to enhance the stability and dependability of the site's power supply. The collaboration reflects a shared focus on sustainable energy solutions and operational efficiency.

Andrew Peyman, Head of Energy Sales at Innova, stated: “This PPA is a fantastic achievement for Innova and Dwr Cymru and is the culmination of a great team effort between the companies.” He noted that the deal provides Dwr Cymru with a steady supply of locally produced renewable energy and predictable pricing over the long term. Peyman also highlighted that the agreement enables Innova to obtain necessary funding for building the Wrexham and Cefn solar projects, expressing optimism about its future benefits as 2025 approaches.

Andrew Dixon, Head of Energy Efficiency at Dwr Cymru, commented: “This Power Purchase Agreement, and subsequent renewable energy developments, will make significant reductions in Welsh Water’s net energy costs and carbon emissions.” He explained that the energy generated will account for approximately 3% of Welsh Water’s yearly electricity consumption, equivalent to the needs of about 4,500 households. Dixon emphasized the project’s role as a key step toward achieving net zero carbon emissions, adding that Dwr Cymru anticipates a productive partnership with Innova during the construction phase.

The PPA establishes a framework for both companies to advance their environmental and operational goals. For Innova, it supports the development of its solar farms, while for Dwr Cymru, it contributes to cost savings and a reduced carbon footprint. The Wrexham and Cefn solar farms, once operational, will bolster local renewable energy production, aligning with broader efforts to enhance sustainability in the region.