National Grid shares plans for new Aberthaw substation development to support South Wales’ clean energy future
- Local communities are being invited to learn more about the proposals, with a drop-in event set for 6 October in St Athan.
- Proposals form part of National Grid’s £3.2 billion investment in Wales’ electricity network that will support the South Wales economy and AI Growth Zone.
National Grid is inviting local communities to learn more about plans for a new substation development at Aberthaw that will help to connect renewable energy, battery storage and a data centre in the region.
The proposals form part of National Grid’s wider £3.2 billion investment in the electricity transmission network across Wales over the next five years to meet growing demand and support the clean energy transition.
Plans would see two new substations built on land adjacent to National Grid’s existing Aberthaw substations, replacing infrastructure that was built in the 1950s with a modern facility known as Gileston substation.
Located alongside the former Aberthaw Power Station, the project represents the next chapter in the area’s energy story, transforming a site once known for coal-fired power into infrastructure that will help enable a cleaner, more flexible energy system in South Wales.
The new substations are being proposed in response to requests from developers seeking connections to the transmission network in the region, including solar generation, battery storage and data centre developments. As the owner of the electricity transmission network in England and Wales, National Grid has a legal obligation to facilitate these connections.
With electricity demand in the region increasing, the investment will help strengthen the resilience of the network and ensure it is ready to support future growth across South Wales, including opportunities associated with the region’s AI Growth Zone.
Matthew Cumming, development director at National Grid, said:
As South Wales’ electricity needs continue to grow, we need to upgrade the network to connect new renewable energy, storage and demand. Our proposals will help transform a site once associated with coal-fired power generation into infrastructure that supports a cleaner energy future and the region’s continued growth. We encourage local people to come along, learn more about the plans and share their views.
Residents, businesses and community organisations are invited to attend a drop-in information event at The Gathering Place, St Athan, from 2.30pm to 7pm on Tuesday 6 October 2026.
Attendees will be able to view the emerging proposals, speak with members of the project team and provide feedback. An online webinar will also take place on Thursday 8 October for those unable to attend in person.
Visit the project website for more information on how to take part