A multi-million pound rail testing facility on a the border of Powys has been approved by both councils involved.
The Global Centre of Rail Excellence – a train, rail infrastructure and technology testing facility – will be located on the site of Nant Helen opencast mine in Onllwyn, which is currently operated by Celtic Energy.
The only centre of its type in Europe, the centre near Ystradgynlais will allow for testing of green technologies in the rail industry.
The Welsh Government has is investing £50m to support the delivery of the new facility. The UK Government has also pledged to invest £30m in the project.
Members of the planning committees at Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council and Powys County Council have now both given the project the final go-ahead.
Economy Minister Vaughan Gething said: “I’m delighted the new Global Centre of Rail Excellence in Onllwyn has been granted planning permission by councillors at Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council and Powys County Council.
“The new centre will help create the next generation of high quality jobs, attracting new investment and opportunities for local people, driving new technologies and innovation, and helping us to realise our ambition of creating a stronger and more prosperous economy, in a greener, cleaner and stronger Wales.
“The Welsh Government’s commitment to developing this world-class facility is clear. We’ve have made £50m available to bring this important facility to the Dulais and Swansea valleys, as part of wider plans to transform valley communities.
“I’m very much looking forward to seeing the project progressing at pace over the coming months.”
The Welsh Government has been working in partnership with Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council and Powys County Council to develop proposals for the GCRE. A joint venture was established in 2019 between Welsh Government and both Powys and Neath Port Talbot councils to support project development and delivery.
A land option deal has been completed for the sites at the Nant Helen surface mine and Onllwyn coal washery, which will see Celtic Energy gift all the land necessary for the project.
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