Curtis Hall is seeking permission to build a 49.9MW gas power plant next to its proposed data centre in Cardiff. The developer claims the temporary facility is a “worst-case scenario” backup if the site cannot connect to the national grid in time.
The project sits on the former Cardiff East Park and Ride site near Llanrumney. It has sparked fierce backlash from local residents and politicians who argue the infrastructure is environmentally irresponsible.
Local Backlash Builds
Friends of the Earth Cymru has labelled the plan “climate-wrecking” infrastructure. Jenny Lloyd, the group’s interim director, called it “completely irresponsible” to approve such a project after a summer of heat waves. “It is a travesty,” said Alexander Grant, 51, a resident worried about impact on nearby University Hospital of Wales. Dale Harvey, another local, complained about the prospect of added noise and fumes from the A48 dual carriageway.
Political Objections Mount
Almost all local Members of the Senedd have formally objected to the plans. Nick Carter, Plaid Cymru MS for Caerdydd Fynnon Taf, questioned why a data centre needs to sit in an urban area near schools and care homes. “Underneath the headlines is a small gas-fired power station,” Carter stated. Senior Labour councillor Lee Bridgeman also objected, noting the emissions are hard to reconcile with Cardiff’s climate emergency declaration.
Planning Process Stalled
The Welsh government is considering taking over the planning process, which would freeze Cardiff Council’s ability to grant permission. The developer insists the gas turbines, capped at 49.9MW to avoid higher-level scrutiny, are only a stopgap until a 150MW grid connection arrives between 2030 and 2034. Curtis Hall argues the technology is not confirmed and that fuel cells could be used instead. The government plans to publish its own policy on data centres by the end of the year.
Source: BBC UK
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