MP visits Margam renewable energy power station

Stephen Kinnock, the MP for Aberavon, has visited the Margam Energy Power Station, which is located three miles south-east of Port Talbot.

The 40MW power station entered commercial operation in 2019 and uses waste wood to generate renewable electricity for homes and businesses via the National Grid. 

It was the first power station of its type to be built in Wales and is owned by funds managed by Greencoat Capital, one of Europe’s largest fund managers that focuses exclusively on investment in clean energy infrastructure.

During his visit, Mr Kinnock met with power station workers and was briefed by Greencoat Capital about the environmental benefits of the plant and its support to the local area, via a £350,000 Community Benefit Fund. The Community Benefit Fund, which is administered by Neath Port Talbot Council, provides money to community organisations and projects in the council ward area of Margam & Taibach. 

Hugh Unwin, co-head of Bio-Energy at Greencoat Capital said: “We were pleased to show Stephen around our Margam plant and explain to him how it generates renewable electricity, supports the local community and supports the regional economy through its supply chain and the electricity it generates.  Margam is a long-term investment in Welsh energy infrastructure and is helping Wales achieve its net zero emissions target. Biomass represents a key strategic market for Greencoat and its investors in the UK.”

Stephen Kinnock MP said: “Renewable energy projects, such as the Margam Green Energy Plant in my constituency, are helping Wales to get to net zero and at the same time are modernising the country’s energy infrastructure. It was great to learn more about how waste wood is being used to generate electricity and to see how the Margam plant is working with Neath Port Talbot Council to bring additional benefits to the local community.”

25 people are directly employed at Margam Green Energy.