MONMOUTHSHIRE is a step closer to running its own solar farm on council-owned land after the Welsh Government approved a £4.5m repayable investment.

Once completed, the Oak Grove Solar Farm in Crick could generate enough electricity to power around 1,400 homes.

It will also save over 2,000 tonnes per year of CO2e by generating clean, renewable energy.

The £4.5m funding has been awarded to Monmouthshire County Council through the Welsh Government’s Invest to Save Green Growth Fund which aims to support public services to become more energy efficient and invest in green technologies.

The scheme has also benefited from help from Local Partnerships, who are public sector owned delivery experts, funded by Welsh Government for this initiative.

Cabinet secretary for environment and rural affairs, Lesley Griffiths, said: “Wales has huge potential to develop projects which generate electricity for the benefit of Wales.

“Through our Green Growth Wales initiative, we are supporting the development of public sector energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.”

Councillor Phil Murphy, cabinet member with responsibility for estates, added: “This scheme represents a significant move by the council in diversifying, not only to improve our environment but also to find alternative ways of supporting front-line services.”