Constructive Dialogue with the Farmers’ Union of Wales
As part of our ongoing engagement, our team recently met with representatives from the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW), including members from Gwent and the national policy team. The conversation focused on how renewable energy and agriculture can co-exist in ways that support rural communities, preserve farming traditions, and strengthen the local economy.
The FUW raised thoughtful questions around land use, community benefit, and generational resilience. The discussion was grounded in shared priorities around maintaining agricultural productivity, supporting family farms, and ensuring that rural Wales thrives in a low-carbon future.
Agricultural Co-Use: Grazing and Green Energy
A key theme was agricultural co-use, and Future Energy Llanwern is delighted to be able to maintain its commitment to continuing sheep grazing across its solar sites, a practical and proven way to retain agricultural activity throughout the project’s 40-year operational life.
At the end of the 40-year lifespan, all infrastructure will be removed and the land returned to farming. In the meantime, participating landowners will benefit from stable, long-term rental income, which can offer financial resilience during a challenging time for agricultural families.
There was strong support for Future Energy Llanwern’s commitment to engaging with schools and young people, by raising awareness of future career paths in renewable energy, land management, and environmental stewardship.
Looking Ahead
We’re very grateful to the Farmers’ Union of Wales for their time, insights, and constructive feedback, and their input will help shape a project that is not only technically robust, but socially and economically grounded in the needs of rural Wales. As we prepare our Development Consent Order (DCO) application to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, we remain committed to open dialogue and building a future where farming and renewable energy grow side by side.