IN THE WORLD of renewable energy, “grid constraints” are often the final word on a project’s viability. However, Cwm Arian has challenged that narrative with the Trefawr Solar Array, and they can now proudly announce that the site is officially up and running.
The Trefawr Solar Array is a pioneering 525kWp ground-mounted solar PV development that serves as a masterclass in “smart” integration. Rather than being stalled by infrastructure limits, the project utilises a G100 grid arrangement to share a single connection with a neighbouring 900kW wind turbine. While local export capacity is strictly capped at 700kW, the site employs an intelligent export limitation system that allows the sun and wind to work in harmony. This system dynamically manages output to ensure maximum efficiency without ever overloading the connection, bypassing the need for costly and time-consuming infrastructure upgrades. For Cwm Arian, this array proves that technical limitations are often just invitations for better design.
The journey to commissioning has been one of persistence and community spirit. The project’s foundations were laid by the late Daniel Blackburn and his colleague Alex Ferraro, who navigated the precarious early development phases on behalf of Cwm Arian without secured capital. Their vision was sustained by the Welsh Government Energy Service, which provided the essential grants required to secure planning permission and finalise technical feasibility.
Project Manager Michael Shakib, who led the scheme through its construction phase, inherited a platform built on years of collaborative effort between Cwm Arian, Dulas Engineering, and Pembrokeshire County Council. The road to financial stability required similar tenacity; after an initial setback with Ynni Cymru, a refined proposal secured majority funding, bolstered by a loan from the Development Bank of Wales and additional Redress funding to see the project through to completion.
Beyond the high-tech engineering, Trefawr remains deeply rooted in local soil. While Vital Energi and Empowered provided technical oversight, Cwm Arian prioritised Welsh specialists for site-specific delivery. Local partners included Malcolm Evans for fencing, Mike Wyatt of MW Consult Ltd for SuDS drainage planning, and Duncan Winton of TreesandTimber.co.uk for biodiversity enhancement and tree planting. This “local-first” approach ensures the array enriches the regional economy and surrounding ecosystem alongside its energy generation.
As the Trefawr Solar Array reaches full operation, it stands as a sophisticated tribute to the early work of Daniel Blackburn. It represents a successful marriage of public sector support and community innovation, proving that community-focused energy projects can be both technically advanced and deeply personal. By turning a constrained grid into a shared resource, Cwm Arian is demonstrating that with the right mix of smart technology and local collaboration, a sustainable future is well within reach.
To celebrate this milestone and share their learnings with the community, Cwm Arian is organising guided tours of the Trefawr Solar Array. These visits offer a unique opportunity to see the “smart” grid technology in action and learn more about Cwm Arian’s wider work in regenerative land use and community energy.
Whether you are a local resident, a student, or a renewable energy enthusiast, Cwm Arian invites you to see firsthand how the project is powering Pembrokeshire. Those interested in joining a tour or learning more about their ongoing projects should contact Anna at [email protected].
